Elderly travellers should ensure they have their medications and all other documents. It is possible that they will also need a portable heart monitor and blood pressure monitor, depending on their age. These items will make them more comfortable while they are on vacation. 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. This group may need pre-travel counseling in order to prepare for their journey.
Comorbidities
The most serious danger to elderly travelers is the presence of co-morbidities. These conditions can make elderly people more vulnerable to certain illnesses. As an example, people over 50 are more likely to have atherosclerotic cardiac disease, chronic pulmonary diseases, or other comorbidities. In addition to increasing the risk of dying in old age, people with comorbidities are more likely be admitted to hospital for longer periods of time than people younger.
Safety
Senior citizens should take safety precautions when they travel. Falls are one of the most dangerous. According to the World Health Organization falls are the second leading cause accidental death. 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 vaccinations
Older travelers should consider receiving pre-travel immunizations. Immune system aging can impact vaccine efficacy. This can lead to a diminished or delayed immune response. The risk of adverse side effects from vaccines increases with age.
More likely to infect elderly travelers with YEL AVD
YELAVD is an extremely serious disease that is closely related to YF. It is an infection that spreads via a virus and can cause multi-organ failure or even death. 2001 saw the first case of this illness.
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 for planning a trip with 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. It is important that your elderly parent is happy to travel. If you can, try to avoid activities that will cause your parent to get jittery. They may also be unable to travel long distances by airplane or car. Another tip is to allow them time to rest when they are tired.