Elderly travelers need to ensure that they have all necessary documents and medications with them. You may want to bring a portable monitor for your health and a monitor for blood pressure, depending on how old you are. Having these items on hand will allow them to feel more confident while on tour. A great idea is to take photocopies of 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 may need pre-travel counseling in order to prepare for their journey.
Comorbidities
Senior travelers can be at risk from serious complications. These conditions can make elderly people more vulnerable to certain illnesses. Senior citizens are more likely than others to develop chronic pulmonary disease and atherosclerotic cardio disease. 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 should be aware of the dangers involved in traveling. Falls are the number one risk. According to the World Health Organization falling is the second leading cause for accidental death. Older travelers should be aware of the dangers of pickpocketing, and crime. Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office has information to assist older travelers in avoiding these problems.
Pre-travel immunizations
Pre-travel vaccinations should be considered for older travelers. Immune system aging can have a negative impact on vaccine efficacy. It can cause a delayed or diminished immune response. Vaccines can also be adversely affected by aging.
Senior travelers are more likely to contract severe and fatal complications from YELAVD
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. In 2001, the first cases of this disease were reported.
YEL-AVD
One study showed a strong correlation between the risk of YF and YEL ADVD among 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 was unable to receive the YF vaccine.
Tips for traveling 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. Make sure your elderly parent is comfortable with the idea of going on the trip. Avoid activities that can make your parent jittery. They might not enjoy long car rides or flying by air. You might also consider allowing them to take a nap when they need.