Senior citizens should ensure they have all their medication and important documents with them. A portable health monitor or a blood pressure monitor may be useful depending on the age of the individual. Having these items on hand will allow them to feel more confident while on tour. You can also get photocopies for all important documents. Ask the agent for assistance. A copy of their itinerary will give them security and help in future litigation.
Pre-travel counseling
Elderly travelers may require additional pre-travel preparations because of certain health conditions. For example, chronic conditions like heart disease and diabetes can make traveling more difficult. 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. Certain diseases can be more dangerous for the elderly due to these conditions. Older people are more susceptible to developing atherosclerotic heart disease, chronic lung disease, and other complications. 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 must take extra precautions when traveling in order to be safe. Falls are one of the most dangerous. According to World Health Organization, falls are the second most common cause of accidental deaths. Older travelers need to be aware of potential pickpocketing as well as crime. Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office also offers safety tips to help older travellers avoid these problems.
Pre-travel immunizations
Pre-travel vaccinations are recommended for seniors traveling. Immune system age can affect vaccine efficacy, and may cause a decreased or delayed immune response. The risk of adverse side effects from vaccines increases with age.
Senior travelers are more likely to contract severe and fatal complications from YELAVD
YEL-AVD is a severe illness that is similar to the wild-type disease YF. It is caused by a viral infection that spreads through the body to multiple organs. This can lead to multi-organ failure and even death. In 2001, the first cases of this disease were reported.
YEL-AVD
One study revealed a strong connection between the risk of YF vaccine and YEL/AVD in older travelers. An analysis of 239 older travellers found that 36.8% were planning to travel in an endemic zone, and 23.0% had visited the area for the first-time without being immunized. One of them had a contraindication for the YF vaccination.
Tips for planning a trip to the elderly parent
It can be difficult to plan a trip for an elderly parent. However, there are some tips that you can use to make the trip go as smoothly as possible. The first is to make sure that your senior parent is excited about the trip. Avoid activities that can make your parent jittery. They may also be unable to travel long distances by airplane or car. You can also allow them to take a break when they need it.