There is no upper age limit on traveling and having a good time. Many people wonder whether it’s safe for older people to fly or travel long distances. There is no age limit for international travel, so as long as your senior parents or loved ones are healthy enough to travel, they can! 

There are many benefits of traveling for seniors, including positive impacts on their cognitive, physical, and spiritual well-being. 

Just because your parents are getting older does not mean you have to cancel your vacation plans or leave them behind when you travel. With some additional planning and preparedness, you all can get away and have a successful travel experience!

Keep reading to learn five tips that will make traveling with seniors easier for everyone. 

 

1. Get Doctor Clearance

It is especially important that our elderly travel companions are medically cleared for travel before making all arrangements. If you are planning on leaving the country, it is especially important to know of any possible destination-specific vaccines, medicines, and information you need to know before traveling. 

If your loved one has certain cardiac conditions, such as a recent heart attack, unstable angina, uncontrolled hypertension, or recent bypass surgery, their doctor may not clear them to fly. Other complex medical problems may make travel risky, so speak with your loved one’s physician first. 

 

2. Take Precautions Against DVT

While deep-vein thrombosis (DVT) can be a risk for all travelers, older adults are particularly at risk. DVT occurs when blood clots form in your veins and block blood flow. This usually occurs in the legs from sitting still for long periods. 

If you are traveling with your elderly parents via plane, train, or even long distances by car, it’s important to take precautions against DVT. Compression stockings can help prevent blood clots from forming in seniors’ legs. It’s also important to take frequent breaks to walk or stretch your legs when traveling. 

 

3. Schedule Travel Plans Around Your Senior Parents’ Needs

When traveling with elderly parents, it’s important to recognize that you might have to schedule your activities around their needs. For instance, you may need to schedule meal times around a medication schedule. 

You may also need to make adjustments to fit in afternoon naps and rest periods. Don’t try to plan too many activities in one day so as not to exhaust your senior parents when traveling. Limit walking and expect to take it easy. 

 

4. Plan for Contingencies 

Anything can happen when traveling away from home, but it’s important to take as many precautions as possible when traveling with seniors. Clothes may get soiled and may be unwearable a second time. You may need to find a laundromat or hotel laundry service. 

Luggage can get lost or stolen, so keep important medications and medical information on you at all times. Sometimes flights get canceled, cars break down, or other emergencies cause trips to be extended unexpectedly. 

 

5. Ask for Senior Discounts 

Traveling with elderly parents has more perks beyond spending quality time with your loved ones. It also has the unique benefit of senior discounts. Sometimes you will encounter senior discounts for flight fare, restaurants, and free or reduced admission to museums and other attractions. 

Inquire about potential senior discounts when making your travel arrangements and reservations–you might be able to save some money! 

 

Senior Health Care Solutions Knows the Importance of Health and Happiness for Seniors

Spending time with your aging loved ones is important for both of you, and traveling is a great way to spend valuable time together. However, we also understand that due to health concerns, elderly travel planning is not always possible. 

If you feel that your senior loved one needs more care than you can give, we can help. At Senior Health Care Solutions, our skilled nursing facilities offer individualized care in a pleasant home-like environment. We also offer many services and activities that will keep residents healthy and active without having to worry about travel. 

If you think your loved ones might need the care we offer at Senior Health Care, call us today to speak with one of our representatives.