Elderly travellers should ensure they have their medications and all other documents. 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. A good idea is to get photocopies copies of any important documents. Ask the agent for assistance. They can have copies of the documents for peace of mind, and they may be useful in future litigation.
Pre-travel counseling
Elderly travelers may require additional pre-travel preparations because of certain health conditions. 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
Elderly travelers may be vulnerable to serious health problems if they have multiple conditions. These conditions can make the elderly more vulnerable to certain diseases. 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 must take extra precautions when traveling in order to be safe. Falls are among the most serious dangers. According to the World Health Organization falling is the second leading cause for 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
Older travelers should consider receiving pre-travel immunizations. Immune system aging may affect vaccine efficacy and lead to a reduced or delayed immune response. Aging also increases risk of adverse effects of vaccines.
Senior travelers are more likely to contract severe and fatal complications from YELAVD
YELAVD is an extremely serious disease that is closely related to 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. In 2001, the first cases of this disease were reported.
YEL-AVD
One study demonstrated a strong association between the risk from YF vaccinations and YEL/AVD for elderly travelers. In a study of 239 travelers aged 60+, a clinic found that 36.8% intended to travel to an endemic region and 23.0% hadn't been immunized. One patient had a contraindication against the YF shot.
Tips for traveling with an elderly parent
While planning a trip to visit an elderly parent can seem daunting, there are tips that can help. 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. 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.