If you’re still stuck with the idea that old age means being frail, wrinkled, and confined to a walker or a weathered rocking chair, then you have to meet the trio of sprightly Bicolano travelers!
They are savvy, adventurous, and full of zest that it’s hard to imagine they are knocking on the door of their 70s.
Say hello to these wanderlusts, who are redefining old age as they cash in on their 20-percent senior citizen discounts, one trip at a time.
The adventurous explorer
Emerita Parayno has always loved traveling.
The charming grandmother, who does not look a day over 68, has no qualms about sitting in a bus or plane for hours or walking around unfamiliar terrain, all in the name of adventure.
A confessed nature lover, Parayno said she has checked off most of her travel bucket lists.
From her exhilarating zipline adventures at Lake Sebu Seven Falls in the province of South Cotabato to the stunning white sand beaches of Moalboal town in Cebu and the jaw-dropping natural beauty of the Enchanted Cave in Bolinao, Pangasinan, no place is too far for this intrepid soul who has an insatiable passion for exploration.
“Travel widens your horizons. It also tests your mobility and endurance,” the native of Daraga town in Albay province said.
To make sure she is up for the challenges of her daring escapades, a pit stop at her doctor’s office remains on top of her to-do list.
“I usually go for my routine check-up, do laboratory tests when my doctor orders them, and bring all my maintenance medicine and other necessary medications before I go on a trip,” Parayno said.
“You have to ensure that your body is in the right condition before you travel,” she added.
Her other tip for her silver-haired squad? Choose destinations that allow for physical activity to stay healthy and energized.
The solo traveler
Evelyn Po, 68, from the city of Ligao, also in Albay, is the travel guru of solo trips.
“My husband would often tease me that I would get sick if I stayed at home for long,” she said in the vernacular.
Po has scoured the cobbled streets of Vigan in Ilocos Sur, the scenic spots of Baguio City, the majestic waves of La Union, and the rugged terrain of Apayao province on her own, without the need for GPS.
For senior travelers wanting to embark on solitary soul-searching, her advice is simple: Plan ahead.
“Research everything. Plan your destinations and activities, book your accommodations, and work on your budget,” she said.
“But most importantly, inform your loved ones about your itinerary so they can track you throughout your trip. They need to know your whereabouts so they can help you in case of emergencies or unexpected circumstances,” she added.
As securing safety and well-being should be on top of every elderly person’s travel goals, the vibrant grandmother said staying connected with family members while on travel brings peace of mind to all.
The social sightseer
“The more, the merrier” is the adage that Jocelyn Llarena, 67, lives by.
As someone who revels in traveling with family and friends, the retired government employee from Pilar town in Sorsogon said group trips are the best because of memories shared.
She also candidly said that it does not hurt that group travel allows seniors like her to sit back and relax, as planning the logistics and itinerary is already taken care of by her younger companions.
She advised elderly wanderlusts to prioritize quality over quantity.
“Don’t be so obsessed with rushing from one attraction to the next that you sacrifice your physical well-being,” she cautioned in the vernacular.
For Llarena, who has toured most of the scenic spots of the three major islands of the Philippines, the best kind of senior travel is one that allows for plenty of downtime to soak in the beauty of the destination.
“Enjoy your travel while you still can. Explore new destinations before it is too late,” she added. (PNA)
