Elderly travelers need to ensure that they have all necessary documents and medications with them. They may want to bring a portable blood pressure monitor and a health monitor depending on their age. These items will enable them to feel more confident when on tour. Another great idea is to get photocopies of all of their important documents. Ask the agent for assistance. They can have copies of the documents for peace of mind, and they may be useful in future litigation.
Pre-travel counseling
Some health conditions may make it more difficult for elderly travelers to prepare properly before traveling. For example, chronic conditions like heart disease and diabetes can make traveling more difficult. This group may benefit from pre-travel counseling to help them plan for their trip.
Comorbidities
The most serious danger to elderly travelers is the presence of co-morbidities. 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. Comorbidities can increase the risk that an elderly person will die. In addition, longer hospital stays are common for older patients with these conditions.
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 need to be aware that there is a risk of pickpocketing or other criminal activity. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office offers information that will help older travellers avoid these problems in addition to safety precautions.
Pre-travel immunizations
Pre-travel vaccinations should be considered for older travelers. Immune system aging can have a negative impact on vaccine efficacy. It can cause a delayed or diminished 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 caused by a viral infection that spreads through the body to multiple organs. This can lead to multi-organ failure and even death. This illness was first reported in 2001.
YEL-AVD
One study found a strong link between the risk of YF vaccination and YEL-AVD in elderly travelers. An analysis of 239 older travellers found that 36.8% were planning to travel in an endemic zone, and 23.0% had visited the area for the first-time without being immunized. One patient was unable or unwilling to take the YF vaccine.
Tips to plan a trip for an elderly parent
Planning a trip with an elderly parent can be challenging, but there are several tips you can follow to ensure that the trip goes as smoothly as possible. The first is to make sure that your senior parent is excited about the trip. If you can, try to avoid activities that will cause your parent to get jittery. They may not like long trips by car or plane. Another tip is to allow them time to rest when they are tired.