I travel a lot. I have kids, literally, all over the world. I travel to lectures, present ideas lecturing myself, do podcasts and debates. At my age, it hurts. I have two artificial hips, and that does not make it any easier. Stiffness in my legs, hips, calves — tightness in my lower back, and fatigue in my upper back and neck.
Travel hurts as you age. When muscles remain in the same position for too long, circulation slows and tissues decrease the amount of waste product removal; less oxygen and nutrients are provided, and your muscles get into a state of inflammation. This leads to stiffness and reduced mobility. And that means things start to hurt. Over time, repeating this process compounds the issues, and now you deal with a more chronic issue.
What can we do about it?
It comes down to blood flow. You don’t move; blood does not flow. Simple. Stretching during rest stops that you purposefully make, if driving, for example, every hour. If flying a long flight, set a timer to walk around the plane every hour while in the air. Adjusting seat positioning and maintaining good hydration can help support healthy circulation and reduce the mechanical stress placed on joints during long trips.
There are also supplements that you can use that support cartilage, connective tissues and synovial fluid. Glucosamine is a naturally occurring amino sugar that contributes to the formation of cartilage and connective tissues. Research suggests glucosamine may help support cartilage maintenance and joint comfort by stimulating the production of structural components such as proteoglycans and collagen. Chondroitin sulfate helps maintain cartilage elasticity and hydration, while hyaluronic acid contributes to joint lubrication and smooth movement. When these components work together, they help joints withstand mechanical stress and maintain flexibility during activities like prolonged sitting or driving.
Applying these supplements in cream form to your sore joints while traveling can really improve your experience.
The takeaway here is I hear too many people avoid traveling because of the pain. These simple suggestions can make seeing your kids on the other side of the world very enjoyable.