Older Brits 'taking more risks abroad'
25 March 2008A rising number of older British people are showing that they know how to have a good time on holiday but could also be putting themselves at risk, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has warned.
The government department said that it had noticed a rise in the 'OAP' or 'overseas and plastered' phenomenon in travellers over the age of 55.
According to an FCO poll, a fifth of these holidaymakers are taking risks they would not contemplate at home - highlighting the importance of travel insurance - such as bungee jumping, parasailing, waterskiing and moped riding.
More than half of the people surveyed said they drink more than usual if they are on a foreign holiday, Reuters reports.
Rania Kossiori, British vice-consul in the Greek island of Rhodes, told the news agency: "Most problems that we see with the older generation of Brits arise from over-consumption of alcohol and food.
"Drinking and staying too long in the sun can make you ill and undertaking strenuous activity like going swimming or snorkelling after a large meal can put you in unnecessary danger: people have drowned this way."
FCO minister Meg Munn said the government was "all for over-55s having fun on holiday", but added: "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."