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More elderly people are traveling nowadays – and why not? All the same, there are things to consider if a loved one’s about to go on a long journey
Increasingly nowadays, owing to so many of us living longer, people are more active as they get older. Indeed, the elderly are also traveling far more than in years past and on their own – and why not? There’s no reason, so long as there aren’t serious health barriers to prevent it, why an older person shouldn’t embark on travel. Adventure in later life isn’t just enjoyable but can also be great for mental and physical health. And anyway, who has a right tell an older loved one what they should and shouldn’t do with their remaining years?

All the same, there are a few things to consider if your elderly mother, father, uncle, aunt, grandparent or friend is about to embark on a long journey…

Research

Whether your loved one is traveling alone or with others (or with you), it’s best to search for travel and accommodation options and to book them as soon as possible. This is because, for obvious ease of travel, you might want to aim for the most direct routes and/ or the shortest in travel duration. Plus, you’ll want to find and reserve suitable accommodation at the other end, of course.

Medication and supplements

It’s imperative to remember that, should the traveler be taking to the skies in a plane, all their prescription and over-the-counter medication is placed in a clear plastic bag. Plus, remember that that transportation staff have no obligation to help with medication, so you might want to suggest your loved one takes an alarm watch/ clock with them to alert them when they need to take their medication.

Additionally, it might be an idea for them (assuming they’re not used to traveling alone or even if they are) to try one or two supplements when they do so to ease the experience. For instance, One week flat Optibac (which may ease any abdominal bloating caused by trapped wind, food intolerance or stress) and Oxylift (aids natural body detoxification and gut cleansing) might be a good idea.

Security

Let’s be honest, elderly people can be a bit forgetful now and again; for instance, out of habit they may pop their wallet in their back pocket, forgetting they’re traveling somewhere unfamiliar where pickpockets will love nothing more than to pinch a wallet from someone’s back pocket. So it’s far from a bad idea for your loved one to use a money belt for cash, cards and valuables instead of a wallet or purse. It’s also a good idea to make sure they have a mobile phone – and that your number’s stored in its phonebook where they can find it.

Documents

Just in case the worst happens, it’s advisable for the traveler to have copies of any prescriptions they have and/ or statements of their specific medical conditions from their doctors with them. Also, it’s a good idea to have their passport, driver’s license (if applicable), travel insurance details, tickets and boarding pass (if available beforehand) photocopied to travel with them.

Aid at the airport

If your loved one’s using an airport and doing so on their own, you’ll want to make sure they receive assistance from the entrance right through the process of security, customs (if applicable), at the gate and on to the aircraft. There should be no extra cost for this assistance or wheelchair use, but be sure to request assistance before they arrive at the airport, otherwise its provision may not be possible.

Are they ready at the other end?

If the traveler will be making their way to family or friends, then it’s crucial their eventual hosts are prepared for their arrival and stay. They need to know what sort of support (or, if you prefer, caregiving) your loved one requires, as well as any particular dietary and medication requirements. Also, make sure they have all important travel insurance and legal documents with them should an emergency arise.