Elderly travelers should make sure they pack all of their medications and other important documents. Depending on their age, they may also want to bring a portable health monitor and a blood pressure monitor. Having these items on hand will allow them to feel more confident while on tour. Another option is to make photocopies all their important documents. Ask the agent for assistance. A copy of their itinerary will give them security and help in future litigation.
Pre-travel counseling
Because of certain conditions, elder travelers may need to make additional preparations prior to travel. Travel can be made more difficult by chronic conditions such as diabetes or heart disease. This group may benefit from pre-travel counseling to help them plan for their trip.
Comorbidities
Comorbidities are major factors that can pose a serious threat to elderly travelers. These conditions can make the elderly more vulnerable to certain diseases. Senior citizens are more likely than others to develop chronic pulmonary disease and atherosclerotic cardio disease. In addition to increasing the risk of dying in old age, people with comorbidities are more likely be admitted to hospital for longer periods of time than people younger.
Safety
Senior travelers must take extra precautions when traveling in order to be safe. Falling is one of the greatest dangers. 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
It is a good idea to get pre-travel immunizations for elderly travelers. Immune system aging affects vaccine efficacy and can lead to delayed or decreased immune response. Aging also increases risk of adverse effects of vaccines.
Older travelers are more susceptible to severe and fatal infections by YEL-AVD
YEL-AVD is a severe illness that is similar to the wild-type disease YF. It is an infection that spreads via a virus and can cause multi-organ failure or even death. 2001 was the year that the first cases were reported.
YEL-AVD
One study showed a strong correlation between the risk of YF and YEL ADVD among elderly travelers. 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. One patient was unable or unwilling to take the YF vaccine.
Tips to plan a trip for an 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. First, ensure that your elderly loved one is happy to take the trip. If you can, try to avoid activities that will cause your parent to get jittery. You might find them disinterested in long-distance travel by plane or car. Another tip is to allow them to nap when needed.