Elderly travelers should make sure they pack all of their medications and other important documents. You may want to bring a portable monitor for your health and a monitor for blood pressure, depending on how old you are. These items will help them feel more confident on the road. Another option is to make photocopies all their important documents. You can ask your tour agent to assist you 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. Chronic conditions such as diabetes and heart disease, for example, can make travel more difficult. These people can get pre-travel counseling that will help them prepare for travel.
Comorbidities
Older travelers could be exposed to major risks from comorbidities. 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. In addition, comorbidities increase the risk of mortality in elderly people, and older people with these conditions are more likely to experience hospital stays that are longer than those of younger people.
Safety
Senior travelers should always take precautions while traveling to ensure their safety. Falls are one of the most dangerous. According to the World Health Organization falls are the second leading cause accidental death. Older travelers need to be aware of potential pickpocketing as well as crime. In addition to safety measures, the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office provides information to help older travelers avoid these problems.
Pre-travel immunizations
Older travelers should consider receiving pre-travel immunizations. Immune system aging may affect vaccine efficacy and lead to a reduced or delayed immune response. A vaccine's adverse effect risk is also increased by the aging process.
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. 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 revealed a strong connection between the risk of YF vaccine and YEL/AVD in older 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 of them had a contraindication for the YF vaccination.
Tips to plan a trip for an 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. First, ensure that your elderly loved one is happy to take the trip. You should avoid any activities that could make your parent feel anxious. They may not like long trips by car or plane. You might also consider allowing them to take a nap when they need.