Elderly travelers need to ensure that they have all necessary documents and medications with them. A portable health monitor or a blood pressure monitor may be useful depending on the age of the individual. These items will make them more comfortable while they are on vacation. You can also get photocopies for all important documents. They can ask their tour agent for help. 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. For example, chronic conditions like heart disease and diabetes can make traveling 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. Senior citizens are more likely than others to develop chronic pulmonary disease and atherosclerotic cardio disease. In addition, the risk of death in older people is increased by comorbidities. Older people with these conditions are more likely have longer stays in hospital than their peers.
Safety
Senior citizens should take safety precautions when they travel. Falls are one of the most dangerous. According to the World Health Organization falling is the second leading cause for accidental death. Older travellers need to be aware that there is a risk of pickpocketing or other criminal activity. Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office has information to assist older travelers in avoiding these problems.
Pre-travel immunizations
Older travelers should consider receiving pre-travel immunizations. Immune system aging affects vaccine efficacy and can lead to delayed or decreased immune response. The risk of adverse side effects from vaccines increases with age.
YEL-AVD more likely to cause severe and fatal infection in elderly travelers
YEL–AVD is a severe infection that is very similar to the wild-type YF. It is an infection that spreads via a virus and can cause multi-organ failure or even death. This illness was first 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. One patient was unable or unwilling to take the YF vaccine.
Tips for traveling with 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. First, make sure that your elderly parent is happy to go on the trip. If you can, try to avoid activities that will cause your parent to get jittery. They may also be unable to travel long distances by airplane or car. Another tip is to allow them time to rest when they are tired.