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 option is to make photocopies all 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
Because of certain conditions, elder travelers may need to make additional preparations prior to travel. Chronic conditions such as diabetes and heart disease, for example, can make travel more difficult. Pre-travel counseling for this group can help them prepare for their travel.
Comorbidities
Comorbidities are major factors that can pose a serious threat to elderly travelers. These conditions can make seniors more susceptible to certain diseases. Older people are more susceptible to developing atherosclerotic heart disease, chronic lung disease, and other complications. Comorbidities can increase the risk that an elderly person will die. In addition, longer hospital stays are common for older patients with these conditions.
Safety
Senior travelers should always take precautions while traveling to ensure their safety. Falling is one of the greatest dangers. According to the World Health Organization falls are the second leading cause accidental death. Older travellers need to be aware that there is a risk of pickpocketing or other criminal activity. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office offers information that will help older travellers avoid these problems in addition to safety precautions.
Pre-travel vaccinations
Pre-travel immunizations are a must for older travelers. Immune system age can affect vaccine efficacy, and may cause a decreased 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
YEL–AVD is a severe infection that is very similar to the wild-type 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. 2001 saw the first case of this illness.
YEL-AVD
One study concluded that elderly travelers are at greater risk for YEL-AVD and YF immunizations. 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 of them had a contraindication for the YF vaccination.
Tips to plan a trip for 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. First, make sure that your elderly parent is happy to go on the trip. You should avoid any activities that could make your parent feel anxious. You might find them disinterested in long-distance travel by plane or car. Another tip is to allow them to nap when needed.