What You Should Know About Motion Sickness In Seniors

Have you ever heard of motion sickness? Most-likely, you have and you associate the phenomenon with children. However, motion sickness in seniors is also quite prevalent.

Motion Sickness and Seniors

Motion sickness in seniors may be harder to detect. As Lisa Carson writes, “because the symptoms of motion sickness mimic many of the symptoms of other conditions as well as the side effects of some medication seniors may not realize that what they are experiencing is motion sickness.”

Medications

For many seniors, medications are a part of the ageing process. Medications are known for their side effects, but a perhaps less-known attribute is their contribution to motion sickness. While several medications have specifically been linked to motion sickness, any drug is a possible suspect. If you’re taking medications and don’t feel well when you travel, speak to your doctor.

Food

Traveling right after mealtime isn’t such a great idea, either. In fact, “looking at food can make motion sickness worse.” As seniors may have very structured meal routines, it is important to take this into account when planning a car ride.

Social Life

Motion sickness in seniors isn’t just about physically not feeling well. According to Lisa Carson it may also affect their mental health and social life. In her words, “seniors that are suffering from motion sickness may stop going out socially, or going out to run errands, or even shopping for food because they feel sick when they go out. This kind of isolation can lead to depression as well as being physically unhealthy. Because they may not realize the problem is motion sickness seniors may not know how to treat the symptoms they are experiencing.”

If you or a loved one don’t feel well while traveling, it may be motion sickness, please speak to your doctor and get the help and advice you need.

Do you have motion sickness?

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