Senior citizens should ensure they have all their medication and important documents with them. They may want to bring a portable blood pressure monitor and a health monitor depending on their age. They will feel more confident and at ease while on tour if they have these items. 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
Some health conditions may make it more difficult for elderly travelers to prepare properly before traveling. Travel can be made more difficult by chronic conditions such as 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. Older people are more susceptible to developing atherosclerotic heart disease, chronic lung disease, and other complications. 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 need to take precautions when traveling to ensure their safety. Among the most common risks are falls. According to the World Health Organization falling is the second leading cause for 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
Pre-travel vaccinations are recommended for seniors traveling. Immune system aging can have a negative impact on vaccine efficacy. It can cause a delayed or diminished immune response. Aging also increases risk of adverse effects of vaccines.
More likely to infect elderly travelers with YEL AVD
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. 2001 saw the first case of this illness.
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. One of them had a contraindication for the YF vaccination.
Tips for planning a trip 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. It is important that your elderly parent is happy to travel. You should avoid any activities that could make your parent feel anxious. 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.