Elderly travelers need to ensure that they have all necessary documents and medications with them. They may want to bring a portable blood pressure monitor and a health monitor depending on their age. These items will make them more comfortable while they are on vacation. A great idea is to take photocopies of important documents. The tour agent can help them. Having copies will give them peace of mind and may come in handy in future litigation.
Pre-travel counseling
Certain health conditions can make travel more challenging for seniors. Travel can be made more difficult by chronic conditions such as diabetes or heart disease. These people can get pre-travel counseling that will help them prepare for travel.
Comorbidities
Older travelers could be exposed to major risks from comorbidities. These conditions can make elderly people more vulnerable to certain illnesses. For example, older people are more likely to develop atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, chronic pulmonary disease, and 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 need to take precautions when traveling to ensure their safety. Falls are among the most serious dangers. According to the World Health Organization falls are the second leading cause accidental death. Older travellers should also be aware of the risk of pickpocketing and crime. Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office has information to assist older travelers in avoiding these problems.
Pre-travel immunizations
Pre-travel vaccinations are recommended for seniors traveling. Immune system aging affects vaccine efficacy and can lead to delayed or decreased immune response. A vaccine's adverse effect risk is also increased by the aging process.
Elderly travelers more at risk for severe and fatal YELAVD infections
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 found a strong link between the risk of YF vaccination and YEL-AVD in 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 for planning a trip to the elderly parent
Although planning a trip with an older parent can be daunting, there are a few tips to help you make it go smoothly. Make sure your elderly parent is comfortable with the idea of going on the trip. Avoid activities that can make your parent jittery. You might find them disinterested in long-distance travel by plane or car. You might also consider allowing them to take a nap when they need.