Senior citizens should ensure they have all their medication and important documents with them. Depending on their age, they may also want to bring a portable health monitor and a blood pressure monitor. These items will enable them to feel more confident when on tour. A good idea is to get photocopies copies of any important documents. They can ask the tour agent to help them with this. The copies they have will provide them with peace of mind and could prove useful in any future litigation.
Pre-travel counseling
Due to certain medical conditions, elderly travelers might need additional preparations before they travel. For example, chronic conditions like heart disease and diabetes can make traveling more difficult. Pre-travel counseling for this group can help them prepare for their travel.
Comorbidities
Elderly travelers may be vulnerable to serious health problems if they have multiple conditions. Certain diseases can be more dangerous for the elderly due to these conditions. Atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases, chronic pulmonary illness, and other comorbidities are more common in older people. 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 always take precautions while traveling to ensure their safety. Falling is one of the greatest dangers. According to World Health Organization (WHO), falls are the 2nd leading cause of accidental death. Older travellers need to be aware that there is a risk of pickpocketing or other criminal activity. Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office gives information to older travelers to help them avoid these issues.
Pre-travel immunizations
Pre-travel vaccinations are recommended for seniors traveling. Immune system age can affect vaccine efficacy, and may cause a decreased or delayed immune response. There are also more chances of developing adverse reactions to vaccines as a result of aging.
Elderly travelers more at risk for severe and fatal YELAVD infections
YEL-AVD, a severe disease similar to YF, is a serious illness. This is caused by a virus which spreads throughout the body, eventually causing multiorgan failure and death. This illness was first reported in 2001.
YEL-AVD
One study found a strong link between the risk of YF vaccination and YEL-AVD in 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. Among them, one patient had a contraindication to YF vaccine.
Tips for planning a trip to the elderly 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. The first is to make sure that your senior parent is excited about the trip. Try to avoid activities that might make your parent nervous. They might also not enjoy traveling long distances by car or airplane. You can also allow them to take a break when they need it.