Elderly travelers should make sure they pack all of their medications and other important documents. They may want to bring a portable blood pressure monitor and a health monitor depending on their age. These items will enable them to feel more confident when on tour. Another great idea is to get photocopies of all of their important documents. You can ask your tour agent to assist you with this. They will be able to refer back to the originals in case of future litigation.
Pre-travel counseling
Some health conditions may make it more difficult for elderly travelers to prepare properly before traveling. Chronic conditions such as diabetes and heart disease, for example, can make travel more difficult. This group can benefit from pre-travel counseling.
Comorbidities
Older travelers could be exposed to major risks from comorbidities. 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 need to take precautions when traveling to ensure their safety. Falls are among the most serious dangers. According to the World Health Organization, falling is the second leading cause of accidental death. Older travelers should be aware of the dangers 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 age can affect vaccine efficacy, and may cause a decreased or delayed immune response. Vaccines can also be adversely affected by aging.
YEL-AVD more likely to cause severe and fatal infection in elderly travelers
YEL–AVD is a severe infection that is very similar to the wild-type YF. This is caused by a virus which spreads throughout the body, eventually causing multiorgan failure and death. 2001 was the year that the first cases were reported.
YEL-AVD
One study revealed a strong connection between the risk of YF vaccine and YEL/AVD in older 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. Among them, one patient had a contraindication to YF vaccine.
Planning a trip with an older parent?
You may find it difficult to plan a trip with your elderly parent. There are many tips that will help you get through the process. Make sure your elderly parent is comfortable with the idea of going on the trip. If you can, try to avoid activities that will cause your parent to get jittery. They might not enjoy long car rides or flying by air. Another option is to let them take naps when necessary.