Elderly travelers should ensure that they bring all medications and any other important documents. They may want to bring a portable blood pressure monitor and a health monitor depending on their age. They will feel more confident and at ease while on tour if they have these items. Another great idea is to get photocopies of all of their important documents. You can ask your tour agent to assist you with this. They will be able to refer back to the originals in case of future litigation.
Pre-travel counseling
Certain health conditions can make travel more challenging for seniors. Travel can be more difficult for those with chronic conditions like diabetes or heart disease. These people can get pre-travel counseling that will help them prepare for travel.
Comorbidities
Comorbidities are major factors that can pose a serious threat to elderly travelers. These conditions can make seniors more susceptible to certain diseases. As an example, people over 50 are more likely to have atherosclerotic cardiac disease, chronic pulmonary diseases, or other comorbidities. Additionally, older people are more at risk for death from comorbidities. This means that they are more likely than younger people to spend longer hospital stays.
Safety
Senior travelers should be aware of the dangers involved in traveling. Falls are the number one risk. According to World Health Organization (WHO), falls are the 2nd leading cause of accidental death. Older travellers should also be aware of the risk of pickpocketing and crime. Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office also offers safety tips to help older travellers avoid these problems.
Pre-travel immunizations
Pre-travel vaccinations should be considered for older travelers. Immune system aging affects vaccine efficacy and can lead to delayed or decreased immune response. There are also more chances of developing adverse reactions to vaccines as a result of aging.
Older travelers are more susceptible to severe and fatal infections by YEL-AVD
YELAVD is an extremely serious disease that is closely related to YF. It is an infection by a virus that can multiply in the body and cause multiple organ damage, including death. 2001 was the year that the first cases were reported.
YEL-AVD
One study concluded that elderly travelers are at greater risk for YEL-AVD and YF immunizations. Study of 239 elderly travellers in a travel clinic revealed that 36.8% had plans to travel into an endemic area and 23.0% had not been immunized. Among them, one patient had a contraindication to YF vaccine.
Tips for traveling with an elderly parent
You may find it difficult to plan a trip with your elderly parent. There are many tips that will help you get through the process. Make sure your elderly parent is comfortable with the idea of going on the trip. You can avoid activities that may make your elderly parent jittery if possible. You might find them disinterested in long-distance travel by plane or car. Another tip is to allow them time to rest when they are tired.