One of the most frequently asked questions in recent days revolves around planning and recommendations for starting summer vacation. Obviously, the recommendations are not the same if your relative is healthy or has chronic illnesses, for example, they are seniors with dementia and associated behavioral disorders.
Let’s start with the initial recommendations, which everyone can consider, and then we’ll present other, more specific tips for traveling with older adults.
General Traveling Tips to Follow
Plan your trip well enough in advance to allow for organization and comprehension but not too far in advance to create a mental burden.
Pack your suitcase calmly, including essential travel items and other items you might need in case of emergency. For example, bring a first-aid kit with medications, both essential and just-in-case ones.
On departure day, you need to leave early. Agility isn’t one of the senior’s strong points, so don’t hurry them up and make enough time to get to the station/airport, etc.
At train stations and airports, to avoid long distances, a wheelchair can be requested, as well as an accompanying person, if necessary. For those who travel by car, consider a folding mobility scooter from Marc’s Mobility that can be easily placed in a trunk.
If the trip is very long and requires prolonged seating, for example, on the bus or car, you’ll need to find alternative methods to stimulate blood circulation, especially in the legs. For example, encourage your senior parents to do short walks in the hallway, go to the bathroom, or do them a massage to activate the entire circulatory system.
It’s important to consider your senior’s main weaknesses or illnesses, if any. You should also know the nearest health center in case you need to act quickly.
Where to Go on Vacation with Seniors?
Traveling is likely one of the biggest distractions for older adults. A trip, if well thought out for them, will provide countless positive aspects that will directly impact their health. Many people experience minor ailments or complaints in their daily lives, but when they’re enjoying themselves, they forget about them. The reason? We can’t give a general answer for everyone, but it’s true that a change in environment and routine contributes to a person’s general mood and well-being.
However, not all destinations are suitable for senior travelers. Each person’s tastes, needs, and priorities must be taken into account. Older adults have every right to decide where they want to spend their vacation.
There are places that are slightly more senior-friendly.
The perfect vacation spot combines a calm atmosphere with minimal exertion. People seeking rest and relaxation should consider places like coastal resorts and scenic countryside settings with efficient public transportation systems. Visitors can enjoy calm
experiences at beach towns such as Florida’s Gulf Coast and Hawaii, where seniors can walk on the beach, take boat tours, and find restaurants to their liking.
European river cruises let you combine leisure activities with sightseeing while eliminating the stress of continuous packing and unpacking. Senior travelers interested in cultural exploration should visit Washington D.C., Rome, and Kyoto because these cities offer museums alongside guided tours and user-friendly attractions. Numerous cities provide special elder discounts while providing wheelchair accessibility features. National parks like Yellowstone and the Grand Canyon provide accessible trails designed for seniors along with shuttle services to help visitors reach key viewing points.
The combination of all-inclusive resorts and senior-focused travel groups eliminates planning stresses for travelers. Look for travel organizations that focus exclusively on senior tourism – they can offer carefully planned tours that include hospitable lodging facilities and fellow groups.
Senior Care During the Tip
When you’re away from home, your daily routines are forgotten, and you have to adapt to the situations you encounter.
What aspects should be taken into account and not forgotten during the journey with elderly people?
● Always carry enough water. Dehydration in older adults can lead to undesirable
situations.
● Avoid the strongest hours of sun exposure, especially in summer.
● Wear sunscreen.
● Find alternatives for hot days. Older adults are very susceptible to temperature changes, and when the sun rises, it can significantly affect them.
● Plan activities of all kinds, both for movement and for relaxation.
● Eating out doesn’t have to mean eating poorly. Seniors need to take care of their diets and avoid overindulging in certain foods, even while on vacation.
● Accommodations must comply with certain regulations, especially if guests with reduced mobility are staying, and the restaurant must offer dining options suitable for all types of diets.
Conclusion
When traveling with older adults, it's important to remember something we should never forget, regardless of who’s traveling, whether they’re children, teenagers, adults, or seniors. Travel is meant to be enjoyed by everyone involved, and it’s enjoyed when we respect ourselves, others, and the environment. Have a safe trip!
