Senior citizens should ensure they have all their medication and important documents with them. Depending on their age, they may also want to bring a portable health monitor and a blood pressure monitor. These items will enable them to feel more confident when on tour. You can also get photocopies for all important documents. You can ask your tour agent to assist you with this. A copy of their itinerary will give them security and help in future litigation.
Pre-travel counseling
Due to certain medical conditions, elderly travelers might need additional preparations before they travel. 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
Comorbidities are major factors that can pose a serious threat to elderly travelers. 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. 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 travelers need to take precautions when traveling to ensure their safety. Among the most common risks are falls. According to World Health Organization, falls are the second most common cause of accidental deaths. Older travellers should also be aware of the risk of pickpocketing and crime. 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 are recommended for seniors traveling. Immune system age can affect vaccine efficacy, and may cause a decreased or delayed immune response. The risk of adverse side effects from vaccines increases with age.
Older travelers are more susceptible to severe and fatal infections by YEL-AVD
YEL-AVD is a severe illness that is similar to the wild-type disease 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. The first cases of this illness were reported in 2001.
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. Among them, one patient had a contraindication to YF vaccine.
Tips for planning a trip with 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. The first is to make sure that your senior parent is excited about the trip. 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. You can also allow them to take a break when they need it.