Senior citizens should ensure they have all their medication and important documents with them. It is possible that they will also need a portable heart monitor and blood pressure monitor, depending on their age. Having these items on hand will allow them to feel more confident while on tour. Another great idea is to get photocopies of all of their important documents. The tour agent can help them. 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. Chronic conditions such as diabetes and heart disease, for example, can make travel more difficult. This group may benefit from pre-travel counseling to help them plan for their trip.
Comorbidities
Elderly travelers may be vulnerable to serious health problems if they have multiple conditions. These conditions can make elderly people more vulnerable to certain illnesses. As an example, people over 50 are more likely to have atherosclerotic cardiac disease, chronic pulmonary diseases, or other comorbidities. In addition, comorbidities increase the risk of mortality in elderly people, and older people with these conditions are more likely to experience hospital stays that are longer than those of younger people.
Safety
Senior travelers must take extra precautions when traveling in order to be safe. 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. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office offers information that will help older travellers avoid these problems in addition to safety precautions.
Pre-travel immunizations
It is a good idea to get pre-travel immunizations for elderly travelers. Immune system age can affect vaccine efficacy, and may cause a decreased or delayed immune response. There are also more chances of developing adverse reactions to vaccines as a result of aging.
More likely to infect elderly travelers with YEL AVD
YEL-AVD is a severe illness that is similar to the wild-type disease YF. It is an infection caused by a virus that multiplies in the body and affects multiple organs, resulting in multiorgan failure and even death. This illness was first reported in 2001.
YEL-AVD
One study demonstrated a strong association between the risk from YF vaccinations and YEL/AVD for elderly 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 patient had a contraindication against the YF shot.
Tips for planning a trip with an elderly parent
Planning a trip with an elderly parent can be challenging, but there are several tips you can follow to ensure that the trip goes as smoothly as possible. First, ensure that your elderly loved one is happy to take the trip. You can avoid activities that may make your elderly parent jittery if possible. They may not like long trips by car or plane. Another option is to let them take naps when necessary.