Definition
As people grow older, they have more free time and more discretionary income, which has prompted them to embark on senior travel or travel by older adults. The fact that aging causes physiological changes, in addition to increasing the likelihood of having an underlying medical condition, means that traveling for older adults entails special risks that are not experienced by other age groups. Traveling safely and having a good time can be made easier by taking certain precautions.

Demographics

In 2007, the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) and Focalyst released the results of a study that included 30,000 Boomers (people born between 1946 and 1964) and Matures (people born after 1964). (people born prior to 1946). According to the findings of the study, older adults were a viable target market for the travel industry in general. Retirement-age adults make up a significant portion of this industry, but the largest segment is made up of Baby Boomers who travel with their minor children. Boomers are also more likely to travel in larger groups and to spend more money per trip than previous generations.

Description

Many older adults benefit from travel in terms of their overall health and their quality of life. Some seniors travel to see their children and grandchildren or to reconnect with friends, while others travel for career-related conferences and personal research, as well as for special interests such as hobbies, sports, education, and spiritual activities, among others. Many adults, particularly in their later years, seek out new experiences in places they have never visited before, such as the ocean, a tropical locale, or other countries.

Obtaining information about travel arrangements

Many older adults have access to travel opportunities that are not typically difficult to obtain. A travel agent or website can offer suggestions for destinations, hotels, and modes of transportation. Travel magazines, documentaries, and travel presentations at local venues can all serve as sources of inspiration for future travel arrangements. Numerous senior citizens rely on information provided by organizations such as the AARP or the American Automobile Association to make informed decisions (AAA). As soon as a destination has been decided upon, the senior traveler can begin planning their itinerary.

According to one study on the travel habits of seniors, word of mouth and personal experience were far more important sources of information for older adults when deciding on a travel destination than official sources of information. This was echoed by the AARP and Focalyst 2007 study, which found that there was no brand loyalty among travelers when it came to transportation, lodging, or even activities at their destination. The study also discovered that the stage of one's life had a significant impact on travel decisions. The most important factors to consider were finances, employment status, and the composition of the household.

Preparation

In addition to being mentally and spiritually nourishing, travel can be extremely stressful, particularly if the travelers are dealing with a medical condition or mobility issues of some sort. It is recommended that older adults discuss their travel plans with their physician, preferably prior to making travel arrangements, to ensure that they are in good health. The doctor can determine whether or not the senior is physically fit to travel and participate in the activities that they have planned. Depending on the circumstances, the physician may recommend that you change your destination, transportation arrangements, or activities. Suppose a person with a respiratory disorder wants to go hiking in the Rocky Mountains, but the doctor advises them to choose a different location. A patient with lung problems would have a more difficult time breathing at higher altitudes because the air is thinner there.

Travelers on cruise ships should practice good health habits to avoid illness.

If you have a medical condition that could increase the risk of injury or illness while on a cruise, speak with your doctor before embarking on the voyage. Special cruises are now available for travelers with specific medical conditions, such as those who are on dialysis, to take advantage of.
Inform the cruise line in advance of your travel plans if you require special medical attention, such as wheelchair access, an oxygen tank, or dialysis.
Ensure that you have adequate medical insurance coverage to cover the cost of medical treatment and evacuation in the event of a medical emergency.
To make medical care more convenient in the event that you require it, have a written summary of your medical history completed, including pertinent diagnostic data such as an EKG and chest x-rays.
Consult with a healthcare provider for recommended and required vaccines (e.g., yellow fever), as well as prevention medication (e.g., malaria chemoprophylaxis), if necessary; and routinely recommended immunizations for specific ages and medical conditions, such as influenza vaccines.
As a result of your medical history and current medications, speak with your healthcare provider about the best treatment options for motion sickness.
Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water before eating or drinking, or use an alcohol-based product that contains at least 60 percent alcohol if soap and water are not available. Use tissues to cover coughs and sneezes if you can't avoid them.
Follow proper food and water intake precautions, including ensuring that foods are thoroughly cooked and served at the proper temperature.
Whenever possible, use mosquito prevention measures (such as DEET-containing repellents and clothing that provides coverage over exposed areas of the body) to keep mosquitoes at bay.
Keep a record of your medical pre-travel preparations, medications taken, length of travel, countries visited, and shoreside activities to aid in the facilitation of any medical care you may require upon your return from your trip. Consult with your healthcare provider. You should consult with your doctor immediately if you become ill once you have returned home, even if it is several months after your trip. An elevated temperature following travel to a malarious area, in particular, should be treated as a medical emergency.

Also discussed are ways to manage the stress of travel, minimize the pain of arthritis or recurrent bursitis, and adjust to a different time zone with the assistance of the physician. The doctor may recommend that the patient undergo treatment for a chronic disorder such as diabetes or cardiovascular disease in a different part of the country or another part of the world if that is the case.

Travelers who have a heart condition may find it necessary to bring a copy of their most recent cardiogram with them. If a traveler experiences symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, or nausea, which may indicate a heart problem, having a prior reading can assist emergency room doctors in making a more accurate diagnosis and treatment determination.

Taking medications on the road

Before departing, older travelers should double-check their current medications and make sure they have enough supplies for the journey ahead of them. It's a good idea to have an extra week's worth of medication on hand in case your plans change or you encounter a travel emergency. Some doctors provide their patients with an extra written prescription to keep on hand in case something happens to their medications while they are traveling.

Travelers should pack their medications in their carry-on luggage to avoid losing them. Medications should be kept in their original containers with labels that clearly identify the patient, the doctor, the type of medication, and the proper way to administer the medication. When a traveler arrives at their destination, medications can be transferred to daily pill reminder containers for easy administration. On the return trip, all medications should be repackaged in their original travel containers to prevent contamination. When traveling, it is critical to know what medications are being taken in case the traveler experiences a medical emergency.

Some medications must be stored at a cool temperature. To transport them, travelers should place them in an airtight container with an added gel ice pack. If traveling by plane, travelers should keep these medications separate in their carry-on until they board the plane, and then they should ask the flight attendant for assistance in keeping the medications cool while on board.

The importance of keeping a written record of all medications (including generic equivalents), dosages, and the medical conditions for which they are being taken cannot be overstated. Patients who are traveling with hypodermic needles, prescription medications, or other controlled substances should ensure that they have a written letter from their physician with them at all times. Keeping the list of medications and the doctor's letter together with their other travel documents is recommended, with a copy in their checked luggage as an extra precaution.

Traveling by plane is a convenient option.

Flying presents a number of unique challenges for senior citizens. Increased airport security frequently causes travelers who have pacemakers, artificial joints, or implanted cardiac defibrillators (ICDs) to be turned away from metal detectors at the airport. Patients who use these devices are typically required to carry a wallet card that identifies the specific type of device they are using. When presenting their ID card to security personnel, travelers who have ICDs or pacemakers should request a hand search or the use of a handheld wand, passing it over the location of the device for no more than a few seconds and then waiting thirty seconds before passing it over the device once more.

Radiation detectors are used in some international airports. Radiation detectors like these are sensitive enough to detect radioisotopes used in nuclear medicine scanning. When flying within thirty days of having a thyroid, bone, or heart scan, patients should make sure they have documentation confirming the date and location of the procedure.

As the plane climbs higher in the sky, the concentration of oxygen and air pressure decreases. People who have serious lung or heart problems may find it difficult to breathe because of the thinner air. The ability to walk up the stairs without becoming out of breath indicates that flying should not be a problem for the individual.

Water should be consumed in large quantities by airline passengers. Because of the dry cabin environment, it is possible to develop dehydration-related symptoms. Travelers should avoid consuming alcohol because it can cause the body to become even more dehydrated.

When traveling by plane, some people may experience bloating. This occurs because the gases contained within the intestines, like the gases contained within the ears and sinuses, are sensitive to air pressure. However, if the traveler has recently undergone abdominal or chest surgery, the expanded gas can cause the surgical stitches to become stretched, resulting in additional discomfort.

Travelers who are prone to getting sick from flying should avoid eating before taking off. They should maintain a straight posture and keep their heads as still as possible. It is recommended that you avoid activities such as reading or watching videos if you are experiencing motion sickness. There are several over-the-counter motion sickness medications available, including dimenhydrinate (Dramine) and meclizine (Zyrtec) (Bonine). These medications should be taken at least one hour before the flight. Patients should consult with their doctor before beginning treatment with these medications.

To treat cardiac arrest in the event of a medical emergency on board, all airlines are equipped with emergency medical kits and automated external defibrillators, which are available on all planes.

Keeping deep vein thrombosis at bay

As a result of sitting for extended periods of time, the blood in the lower legs and feet can pool, causing swelling. Sluggish blood flow from the feet back to the heart can occasionally result in the formation of small blood clots. Sometimes these clots can be broken down by the body's own natural clot busters. For some people, the blood clot continues to travel up the leg, preventing blood flow from being restored. Deep vein thrombosis is the medical term for this condition, which can cause leg pain. An embolism (blood clot in the lungs) is a potentially life-threatening condition that occurs when a blood clot breaks away and travels through the circulatory system. However, it is especially dangerous for older travelers who already have a sluggish circulatory system due to conditions such as arteriosclerosis, high blood pressure, diabetes, or medications that slow the heart rate. People with cancer, those who are recovering from surgery or an injury, smokers, women who are taking estrogen replacement therapy, men who are taking medication for prostate cancer, and those who have previously experienced a blood clot are all at increased risk of developing a clot.

The best way to avoid deep vein thrombosis while traveling is to stretch frequently and perform leg exercises or wear compression stockings. If the traveler is unable to get up and move around, alternately flexing and pointing the feet and performing ankle rotations for thirty seconds every half hour can be extremely beneficial. Walking up and down the aisle of an airplane or through the cars of a passenger train is an option for passengers. Travelers who are traveling by car should stop every hour and take a walk around. Traveling by bus, on the other hand, may be more difficult because stops are determined by the bus schedule. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a medical condition that can occur after a plane has landed or a bus has arrived at its destination. Travelers should continue to walk and engage in physical activity on a daily basis.

Traveling outside of the country

It is important for older adults to ensure that their immunizations are up to date before traveling outside of the United States. A physician can determine which immunizations are required based on the location to which you are traveling. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the United States Department of State both have information on the subject as well.

Customs clearance with medications or hypodermic syringes and needles is much easier if all medications are kept in their original containers and are only brought on board in carry-on baggage. It will be more understandable if the traveler has a written note from his or her physician explaining that he or she is required to take narcotics or to inject himself or herself because of a medical condition, rather than having them in his or her possession. A list of medications, as well as the conditions for which they are prescribed, confirms that the traveler is in possession of them. In addition to prescription medications, over-the-counter medications and nutritional supplements should be included on this list. A number of countries have different laws regarding controlled substances than the United States, and some of these countries may regulate the ingredients in certain over-the-counter products.

Visitors should bring enough medication for the duration of their trip, plus enough extra to last a few days in case their medications become damaged or if their travel plans are altered for any reason. Patients who are taking generic medications may not be able to find equivalent drugs in other countries if they run out of their medication. If their physician is unable to locate generic equivalents in other countries, or even if specific equivalents are available, they may be unable to provide them with a prescription for the medication.

The food and drink that travelers consume can be a major source of illness for them. Raw foods, such as fish, meat, shellfish, and unpasteurized dairy products, should be avoided at all costs, especially during pregnancy. Raw vegetables, salads, and fruit may only be consumed if the traveler can be certain that they have been washed in clean water and prepared in sanitary conditions before consumption. Food purchased from street vendors should be avoided at all costs. Aside from drinking local water, travelers should refrain from consuming anything made with water, such as lemonade and other soft drinks from vending machines, fruit juices from concentrate mixed with water, alcoholic beverages mixed with water, and ice. The safest beverages to consume are bottled water, bottled soft drinks, beer, and wine. It's possible that coffee and tea made with rapidly boiling water are also safe. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) travel website provides up-to-date information about food-borne and water-borne illnesses in specific countries, as well as information on how to avoid them.

Looking for medical assistance while away from home

A medical emergency can strike at any time and at any age, but older travelers with pre-existing medical conditions should make arrangements in advance in case of a medical emergency. Before embarking on a journey, the traveler should determine the location of the nearest clinic or hospital to their lodging. Academic medical centers are excellent places to receive care. For travelers who have a specific medical condition and will be away from home for more than two weeks, a physician may be able to recommend a specialist who is close to the traveler's destination who can treat the condition.

If an elderly traveler becomes ill while abroad, he or she should contact the front desk of their hotel. An on-call physician or a list of physicians who specialize in treating international patients is available at many large hotels. Calling the American embassy or consulate in the country where they are staying and asking for a local medical referral are also options for travelers.

Insurance

Several major medical insurance policies have restrictions on out-of-state coverage, and some policies may even exclude coverage for treatments received outside of the United States entirely. Medicare does not cover medical treatment received outside of the United States. Travelers can purchase temporary supplemental insurance policies to cover them for the duration of their travels. If travelers are planning to be away for more than a week or two, these are wise investments.

IMPORTANT TERMS

Compensating stockings are hosiery worn by both men and women to help prevent deep vein thrombosis, swelling, and leg pain from occurring.

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot that forms in a vein in the lower leg or thigh and is caused by an injury.

The term "implanted cardiac defibrillators" refers to small devices that are implanted in the chest below the collar bone and that monitor the heart's rhythm and have the ability to send a small jolt of electricity to restore normal rhythm if necessary. They are most commonly prescribed for patients with rapid or irregular heartbeats, but they can also be used as a pacemaker for those with a slower heartbeat.

It is common for pulmonary embolisms to be fatal because they form in the lungs from a blood clot.

Microgram quantities of radioactive material are used in medical imaging scans, and they are known as radioisotopes.

When you arrive at your destination,

Adults, especially as they grow older, should find travel to be enjoyable and relaxing. Seniors should pace their daily activities and ensure that they are balanced with nutritious meals and rest.

The body is frequently stressed as a result of a change in climate. As adults get older, their ability to cool their bodies and keep themselves hydrated diminishes as well. When the outside temperature reaches dangerous levels, some older adults may not experience any heat at all. Aside from that, even if their bodies are already dehydrated, they may not experience any thirst. While it may be tempting to spend the entire day in the sun, older adults should seek shade and a refreshing drink, preferably one that does not contain alcohol or caffeine. In warm climates, it is recommended to wear a hat and light-colored, loose-fitting clothing that is not too tight around the body.

In addition, older adults should make every effort to avoid becoming infected. Hand washing or the use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers frequently before eating and after being in crowded places such as an airplane, train, or tour bus can help to prevent disease transmission from spreading to others.

Having returned from a trip abroad

Travelers, particularly those who visit developing countries or who stay abroad for a period of several weeks or months, should exercise caution upon their return to the United States of America. It is possible that travel-related illnesses will take time to develop. This is usually determined by the destination, the length of time the person was out of the country, the type of accommodations they had, any underlying medical conditions, and exposure to a potentially infectious agent or organism. A fever of any kind that develops within a few days to several months of returning from an international trip should be investigated by a physician. This includes telling the physician where the traveler has been and for how long, as well as the activities they have participated in and whether or not the traveler has had a tattoo, pierced his or her skin, or received an injection. The amount of time that elapses between returning home and the appearance of a fever can be a critical indicator of the presence of a specific infectious disease. Dengue fever, for example, manifests itself three weeks or more after a traveler returns to his or her home country. It can take anywhere from 6 to 12 months for malaria to manifest itself.