Travel Tips for the Elderly
Trips abroad are a good occasion to check the status of standard vaccinations such as tetanus, poliomyelitis and diphtheria. Vaccination against influenza is highly recommended. The symptoms of a flu are taxing enough already without attaching the burdens of being abroad and removed from the conveniences of one’s home. Vaccinations against Hepatitis A and B are essential as these diseases can be particularly severe in the older traveler. Additionally, a vaccination against the pneumoccal bacteria should be obtained and is administered every five years. Age related changes in the immune system may vary and should be discussed with your physician prior to travel.
Self- treatment kit:
Below we list a few items we recommend you acquire or prepare, in addition to your regular prescription medications, prior to travel to facilitate treatment should you become ill or injured.
Elderly travelers should keep a thorough medical history and a summary of all ongoing treatments with them while traveling and at home with a trusted relative or friend. Travelers should have a letter, written by their family doctor, describing prior illnesses and all medications used. This is especially important if using injections requiring syringes and needles as increased airport security measures make this a must.
A mild laxative should be added to your overnight bag, as constipation can be more frequent than diarrhea in the older traveler.
Older travelers may have a higher risk of developing deep venous thrombosis (DVT) in the legs. Prevention is based on adequate fluid intake, regular isometric muscle exercises, elastic compression stockings and maybe even using blood thinners prior to travel. These must, of course, be taken under consultation with a physician only.
Older travelers are more sensitive to changes in the climate and environment. The most important consideration is to ensure that the conditions of travel are suited to his or her physical condition.
- Travelers with heart conditions should avoid salty foods. Those on diuretics can lose significant amounts of potassium if they contract traveler’s diarrhea and this may be even more dangerous if they are also on antiarrhythmia drugs. Prompt treatment of diarrhea in this situation is essential. Chemoprophylaxis of traveler’s diarrhea may be even more important for the elderly. Be sure to consult your physician regarding Xifaxan (rifaximin) prior to travel.
Travelers with a history of coronary insufficiency or angina should always travel with a prescription of nitroglycerine.
People with venous problems must keep out of the heat, stay well hydrated, and remain active.
Denture adhesive is often difficult to find while traveling abroad, thus we advise travelers to take more than enough for the whole trip.
Elderly travelers are less sensitive to thirst and because of diminished kidney function are more likely to develop fluid and electrolyte disturbances.
People with hearing aids are encouraged to take along an extra battery or two.
See also the U.S. State Department’s letter on Travel Tips for Older North Americans.
