Traveling Safely With Aging And Elderly Parents
Traveling with elderly parents can be very fun
. Whether they are coming to visit for the holidays, going with you to see close friends, or even just going on that trip you have been planning for years, the elderly come with a sense of wisdom and humor that is unique and entertaining.
However, it can also be dangerous for them, as changing the regularity of a routine can cause problems. Whether it is sleeping in a new bed, eating new foods, or just having to walk for long periods of time, it can take a great toll on their bodies.
Our bodies just naturally become less adaptable and durable as we age. Our joints become weaker, our bones become more brittle, and our health often begins to decline.
Despite these effects, that does not mean that the elderly have to give up traveling for the remainder of their life. It just means that certain precautions must be taken to keep them safe, healthy, comfortable, and having fun.
The first thing that ought to be done will be to allot additional time for transportation. Caused by frequent bathroom trips, rests, or a slow pace, going with the elderly might take added time than anticipated, which enable it to mean you can miss your flight.
Good circulation is vital while traveling. Sitting for a long time on planes or even in airports and in cars may be detrimental on your parent's health.
In more serious cases, it may result in blot clots inside their legs, which can be deadly if it travels to the heart. Wherever possible, encourage them to stand up and walk around--this will keep the blood flowing, and keep their muscles warm.
If they are stuck sitting on the plane or in the car and cannot move out easily, help them to pump their feet forward and backward, to keep that blood flowing. Circulation in the hands and arms is equally important--help them to pump these extremities as well.
Many of the longer international and national flights can have a booklet, video, or live demonstration of exercises that could be performed inside the cramped seating arrangement. Request advise or help form a stewardess if you cannot think of things to do.
While traveling, make sure that your parents are adequately hydrated. It is very common for people to get dehydrated at airports and on planes, because you can't take water through security.
The older travelers are, the more quickly they can become dehydrated in the first place, making this an issue that is particularly important to watch and see to. To keep them vibrant and healthy, make sure they usually have plenty of water to drink, and even some gatorade to keep their electrolytes up.
One more thing that can be done is to always to pack any medications within carry ons and in their luggage. You do not want to be stuck inside a plane along with your parents and not be able to access their daily medications.
During long layovers, although at the airport, checked luggage is usually impossible to get into. Carry ons sometimes are lost, and in some instances, security checkpoints have been proven to take pills away.
It is a good idea to keep a set of their medication in both the carry on, and the checked luggage, in case something is lost. When crossing through security, whenever possible, take all doctor prescriptions for your medications with you.
Generally there should not be any risk, but if there are any problems it is better to be safe than sorry. Just make sure things are not all stored in the same place, and you always have the proper documentation with you.
Traveling does not have to be stressful or dangerous when you are with the elderly. The risk also does not have to keep them home bound for the rest of their lives.
Just follow the above mentioned precautions, and do whatever you can to keep them safe and comfortable. Make sure you have snacks, so they don't get too hungry.
A good rule of thumb is to almost see them like children, and pack appropriately. That means water, juice, snacks, medicine, first aid, sanitary supplies, blankets, back pillows, etc.
by: Tommy Greene
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