THE TRAVEL CHECKLIST YOU NEED FOR A SENIOR TRAVELLING WITH YOU

Travelling holds different meanings for different people. For some, it's the primary purpose of life itself; for others, it's a rejuvenating escape from a monotonous routine.

Regardless of how you perceive it, you cannot take it for granted. That's a lesson Covid-19 taught us. The pandemic brought the world to a standstill, making many realise its significance. Being confined to their homes made people crave the simple freedom of booking a flight to explore a new destination.

Beyond the thrill and excitement, travelling can be a tad bit challenging for elderly people. With age comes the tendency to attract illnesses like a magnet attracts nails. Tasks as simple as walking can become daunting. Yet, age shouldn't be a barrier when it comes to travelling.

Travelling can be a medicine for their soul - bringing a change in scenery that barely goes beyond home, hospitals and nearby parks.

With careful planning and extra attention, you can ensure smoother travel experiences for elderly companions. Just keep in mind the following considerations:

Firstly, pack in lots of patience and empathy.

What is easy for you might be a tedious task for them. Think walking, or a 5-minute trek to see the most beautiful waterfall ever. It may also mean waiting an hour or more in the hotel for your elderly travel companion who is busy napping while you are dying to go to the beach.

Instead of losing your temper at their inability to be as active as you, remind yourself to be calm and kind (in case that doesn't come naturally to you).

Keep medical history handy

Collate everything on your phone – existing health issues, blood group, health insurance details, medications and their dosage, vaccination record, test reports and history of any surgery. In case of any health emergency, you will have their medical details handy no matter where you go. Carry emergency contact information of their doctor as well.

It is also advised to write this information on a paper and keep in the senior person's wallet. The phone can run out of battery or just stop working. It is always better to have a backup. Moreover, if something happens when even you are not in a condition to share the details, the wallet or bag of the elderly will have all the necessary details.

Do not forget to ask for printouts of any tests or consultations if the senior person accompanying ends up taking some sort of medical care while travelling. These records would be helpful for follow-up checkups back home.

Book the seats wisely

Super-simple things like booking better seats can help your elderly travel partner a lot. If it is a train, book a lower berth seat closer to the washroom.

For a flight, try booking an aisle seat for better access to restrooms and more space. Avoid booking a connecting flight. The entire hassle of deboarding, waiting for another flight and then boarding another one can be exhausting for them. If mobility is even a slight issue, consider reserving a wheelchair while booking flights.

Don't forget to keep the important medicines and prescriptions handy in the cabin bag.

Get them a pair of compression socks

Knee-high compression socks can be great co-travellers for the elderly. Wearing these comparatively tighter socks helps improve blood flow and reduces pain and swelling in the feet that can occur due to prolonged sitting.

Furthermore, ensure that your senior travel partner is wearing comfortable shoes. A hack? Ask them to resist the urge of removing shoes in the flight. It might be a challenge to stuff swollen feet back into the shoes at the end of the flight.

Consider getting up and taking a short walk every 2-3 hours – be it on a train or on a long flight.

Make the itinerary elderly-friendly

Here are a few things you can keep in mind while planning your trip with a senior:

• Keep the itinerary slow and flexible. They will need frequent short breaks.
• Check senior-friendly services before booking accommodation. Look for services like elevators, non-slip floors, wheelchairs and an accessible entrance.
• Avoid visiting places with lots of stairs or difficult terrain with them.
• Ensure meals are scheduled at regular intervals.

Travel insurance

Travelling with a senior person, and otherwise also, can be uncertain. Purchasing travel insurance that covers medical emergencies and trip cancellations is a must. Be transparent with the medical history during the process to avoid any issues. 

A list of essentials

Documents – Apart from the aforementioned medical documents, ensure they are carrying identity and travel documents.

Reading glasses – Of course, they will need it every now and then.

Hearing aids – Only if they use them.

Ear plugs - A must during flights.

Medicines – Keep them in a handbag so that they are easily accessible.

Water bottle – Apart from making sure they sip it in regular intervals, re-fill it whenever possible.

Healthy snacking options – During uncertain situations, having a snack is a blessing, especially for elderly people. (Even chopped nuts or bananas would do)

Mobility aid – Encourage them to use support like a cane, especially if you are headed to a place where they may have to walk a little extra like parks, temples and museums.

Sunscreen/hat – To avoid unwanted skin burns, urge them to apply sunscreen before stepping out in the sun.

Ice pack/hot water bottles – They may need it after a long day of travelling.

Warmers/raincoat/umbrella – While you can afford the luxury of embracing the thrill of unexpected weather, your elderly travel partner cannot. So, check the weather forecast even a day before travelling and pack accordingly.  

Mobile charger/power banks – While putting your charger in the bag, remember theirs as well.

Comfortable clothing and footwear – Essentials.

Most importantly, ask them to voice any concerns or discomfort, and make adjustments to the travel plans accordingly.

Whether it's a parent, grandparent, or senior colleague, encourage them to explore the world and travel with them. But plan well.

2024-03-08T12:32:30Z dg43tfdfdgfd