Over 55’s ‘causing holiday havoc’
20.03.08
Older British holidaymakers are causing the sort of trouble normally associated with the younger generation, the BBC reports, quoting the Foreign Office. It says that over-55s are endangering their health by drinking too much alcohol and trying out dangerous sports such as bungee jumping on overseas trips.
Excessive drinking has led to abusive behaviour from some fifty-somethings, with over-eating and over-drinking has also resulted in drownings. The Foreign Office said recent surveys showed 20% of 55-plus holidaymakers try activities they would not contemplate at home. Nearly two in three admitted not taking out travel insurance on their last trip overseas, and more than half of older holidaymakers drink more alcohol abroad than they would in the UK.
Foreign Office Minister Meg Munn said: ‘The Foreign Office is all for over-55s having fun on holiday, but it is crucial they make some simple preparations to help avoid encountering difficulties whilst abroad. Acquiring adequate travel insurance is a must, and health scares abroad can be avoided by visiting a GP and having a health check before embarking on a holiday.’
However a spokesman for Saga, a holiday company catering for older people, told the BBC: ‘It's a misnomer that only the young can have new experiences on holiday or take part in exciting and rigorous activities. Just because you're over 50 does not mean you have to put your surf-board into storage or hang up your salopettes.’
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