Elderly travelers should ensure that they bring all medications and any other important documents. Depending on their age, they may also want to bring a portable health monitor and a blood pressure monitor. They will feel more confident and at ease while on tour if they have these items. Another option is to make photocopies all their important documents. They can ask the tour agent to help them with this. They can have copies of the documents for peace of mind, and they may be useful in future litigation.
Pre-travel counseling
Because of certain conditions, elder travelers may need to make additional preparations prior to travel. Travel can be made more difficult by chronic conditions such as diabetes or heart disease. This group may benefit from pre-travel counseling to help them plan for their trip.
Comorbidities
Comorbidities are major factors that can pose a serious threat to elderly travelers. These conditions can make the elderly more vulnerable to certain diseases. As an example, people over 50 are more likely to have atherosclerotic cardiac disease, chronic pulmonary diseases, or other comorbidities. 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 the World Health Organization, falling is the second leading cause of accidental death. Older travelers need to be aware of potential pickpocketing as well as crime. Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office has information to assist older travelers in avoiding these problems.
Pre-travel immunizations
It is a good idea to get pre-travel immunizations for elderly travelers. Immune system aging can impact vaccine efficacy. This can lead to a diminished or delayed immune response. Aging also increases risk of adverse effects of vaccines.
Elderly travelers more at risk for severe and fatal YELAVD infections
YEL-AVD, a severe disease similar to YF, is a serious illness. It is caused by a viral infection that spreads through the body to multiple organs. This can lead to multi-organ failure and even death. 2001 was the year that the first cases were reported.
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 to receive the YF vaccine.
Tips for traveling with an elderly parent
While planning a trip to visit an elderly parent can seem daunting, there are tips that can help. Make sure your elderly parent is comfortable with the idea of going on the trip. You can avoid activities that may make your elderly parent jittery if possible. 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.