Elderly travellers should ensure they have their medications and all other documents. Depending on their age, they may also want to bring a portable health monitor and a blood pressure monitor. Having these items on hand will allow them to feel more confident while on tour. You can also get photocopies for all important documents. They can ask the tour agent to help them with this. Having copies will give them peace of mind and may come in handy in future litigation.
Pre-travel counseling
Because of certain conditions, elder travelers may need to make additional preparations prior to travel. 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
Elderly travelers may be vulnerable to serious health problems if they have multiple conditions. These conditions can make it more difficult for seniors to get certain diseases. 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 must take extra precautions when traveling in order to be safe. 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 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 affects vaccine efficacy and can lead to delayed or decreased immune response. Aging also increases risk of adverse effects of vaccines.
Elderly travelers more at risk for severe and fatal YELAVD infections
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. In 2001, the first cases of this disease were reported.
YEL-AVD
One study demonstrated a strong association between the risk from YF vaccinations and YEL/AVD for 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. One patient was unable to receive the YF vaccine.
Tips for traveling with an elderly parent
Although planning a trip with an older parent can be daunting, there are a few tips to help you make it go smoothly. Make sure your elderly parent is comfortable with the idea of going on the trip. Try to avoid activities that might make your parent nervous. You might find them disinterested in long-distance travel by plane or car. Another tip is to allow them time to rest when they are tired.