Traveling can be a fun and exciting experience for people of all ages, but it can also present unique challenges for older adults. According to a survey by AARP, 58% of older adults are interested in traveling. Unfortunately, many face barriers such as mobility issues, health concerns, and financial constraints. Therefore, when you are responsible for planning their travel, you must enhance elderly safety and comfort as you would at home. Outlined below are some considerations to make.
Older adults tend to have chronic health conditions that require special attention while traveling. It is important to plan to ensure they have access to the necessary medical care. You can do this by properly putting things in place where their health is concerned before the trip. Make sure to bring a list of all medications, dosages, and emergency contact information. Remember to research the availability of medical facilities and emergency services in the area. Doing this will ensure that older adults have access to medical care in an emergency. If you’re unsure which service to subscribe to, there are various organizations such as Jet Companion with a host of medical options available for the elderly. In some situations, it may be a good idea to check with a senior specialist or healthcare provider to clear an older adult for travel. They can help you plan adequately for short to long-term travel for an elderly person. More importantly, the plan will include preparing for different health or medical scenarios. Ultimately, the plan is to make the travel experience more enjoyable and comfortable for an elderly person.
- Choose age-friendly destinations, activities, and climates
When planning a trip for older adults, it’s important to consider their physical abilities and mobility. Look for destinations and activities that are easy to navigate and don’t require a lot of physical exertion. One way to ensure an age-friendly destination is to research the availability of accessibility features such as ramps, elevators, and flat sidewalks. That will make it easier for them to move around and explore the area. It is also a good idea to identify transportation options such as buses, trains, and taxis that are accessible for wheelchairs and scooters. Another important consideration is the type of activities available at the destination. Instead of strenuous activities such as hiking or skiing, look for low-impact activities that are easy on the body. Some examples include sightseeing, shopping, and dining. These are more enjoyable for older adults and require less physical effort. In the meantime, have you considered the climate and weather of the destination? Places that are too hot or cold may not be as comfortable for older adults. As people age, the body’s tolerance to extreme climates reduces.
- Consider getting travel insurance
When getting travel insurance for older adults, there are a few things to keep in mind that may be different than for younger travelers. Older adults often have pre-existing health conditions that need to be considered. Many travel insurance policies have exclusions for pre-existing conditions, so it’s essential to check the policy carefully and ensure that these conditions are fully covered. Moreover, some policies will require a medical questionnaire to be filled out before the service provider can make available the necessary coverage. Furthermore, your elderly loved one may need additional coverage for lost or stolen belongings. That includes mobility aids such as wheelchairs or scooters. It is important to check the policy for coverage of these items. The travel insurance you buy for an elderly person must contain some provision for flight cancellations or interruptions. Therefore, it is necessary to carefully review the policy and check for exclusions and coverage limits. Knowing these things will make their travel insurance worth having.
- Schedule enough time for rest
Traveling and sightseeing can be tiring for older adults, so scheduling enough time for rest is important. Doing this will help ensure they have the energy to enjoy their trip fully and avoid feeling overwhelmed or exhausted. When planning the itinerary, consider breaking up activities with periods of relaxation and downtime. Ideally, this must include scheduling time for naps, reading, or just relaxing in the hotel room or at a park, if there’s one available. While you think of these two things, remember to schedule enough time for healthy meals and hydration. The truth is that elderly people may require more time to eat and drink, which will feed into other schedules. Remember to keep all this in mind to make their trip enjoyable.
