Elderly travellers should ensure they have their medications and all other documents. They may want to bring a portable blood pressure monitor and a health monitor depending on their age. They will feel more confident and at ease while on tour if they have these items. Another option is to make photocopies all their important documents. The tour agent can help them. The copies they have will provide them with peace of mind and could prove useful in any future litigation.
Pre-travel counseling
Certain health conditions can make travel more challenging for seniors. Travel can be more difficult for those with chronic conditions like diabetes or heart disease. These people can get pre-travel counseling that will help them prepare for travel.
Comorbidities
The most serious danger to elderly travelers is the presence of co-morbidities. These conditions can make it more difficult for seniors to get certain diseases. Older people are more susceptible to developing atherosclerotic heart disease, chronic lung disease, and other complications. 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 among the most serious dangers. According to World Health Organization, falls are the second most common cause of accidental deaths. Older travellers should also be aware of the risk of pickpocketing and crime. Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office also offers safety tips to help older travellers avoid these problems.
Pre-travel immunizations
Pre-travel vaccinations should be considered for older travelers. 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 illness that is similar to the wild-type disease YF. It is an infection by a virus that can multiply in the body and cause multiple organ damage, including 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. The study of 239 travellers aged 60 years and older in a travel clinic found that 36.8% had planned to travel to an endemic area, and 23.0% had traveled to the area for the first time without getting immunization. One patient was unable or unwilling to take the YF vaccine.
Tips to plan a trip for an elderly parent
It can be difficult to plan a trip for an elderly parent. However, there are some tips that you can use to make the trip go as smoothly as possible. First, ensure that your elderly loved one is happy to take the trip. Avoid activities that can make your parent jittery. They may not like long trips by car or plane. You can also allow them to take a break when they need it.