Traveling With the Elderly: How (and Why) to Make More Memories

As your loved ones get older, they might not have as many opportunities to go on vacation. However, traveling can be an important experience for seniors, since it gives their minds something new to focus on and provides a chance to be social.

Traveling with elderly loved ones, whether it’s your own grandparents or parents or older friends, offers a wonderful opportunity to spend time with them. Vacations with elderly loved ones also give them tons of memories to fill their senior years with. Planning a trip with older individuals can come with some challenges of course, and these tips can help you out.

Consult Their Doctor

Before you start planning any trips, make sure your loved ones are able to travel. Talk to their doctors about any limitations they might have or medical conditions that require special care, such as taking medication regularly. Having this information can help you determine when and where to go for your trip with elderly family members or friends.

Schedule Medication Refills

Running out of prescription medication during vacation can be potentially dangerous for elderly individuals. Keep a list of prescription medications your loved ones take, and schedule refills before your trip. Put these medications in travel bags or carry-on bags that are easily accessible for the seniors you’re traveling with. You should also stock up on any over-the-counter medications your elderly loved ones take.

Rent a Bigger Car if Needed

Doing a road trip with senior family members or friends can be difficult if you have a smaller vehicle. Consider renting a larger one for your trip. Keep in mind that it’s usually easier for elderly individuals to get into mini-vans or SUVs compared to 2-door sedans. With a bigger vehicle, you’ll also have more room for luggage and other supplies, as well as the souvenirs your party may want to return home with.

Arrange Assistance at the Airport if Needed

If you’re flying, consider making airport and flight accommodation arrangements for your senior loved ones. For example, you might request assistance for them when it comes to getting around the airport or getting on and off the plane if they have limited mobility. This can make flying to and from your destination a more pleasant and less tiring experience for your senior family members or friends.

Make Realistic Travel Plans

The activities you plan to do during vacation should be suitable for your elderly loved ones based on what they’re comfortable with. This might mean planning a relaxing beach vacation with minimal activities rather than traveling to a major city with tons of attractions or having a rugged outdoor vacation. Talk to your seniors about the kinds of activities they want to do and how much sightseeing they’re interested in doing during your trip.

Bring Essential Supplies

Whether you’re driving to your destination or flying, make sure you bring supplies that your senior family members or friends might need. This includes bottled water to prevent dehydration, their medications, snacks, and first aid kits. If you’ll be on the road for hours at a time, you might want to make sure your elderly travel companions have supportive stockings or compression stockings on to help lower the risk of blood clots. Be sure to break the driving up and take extra breaks or even overnight stops along the way.

Make Changes During Your Trip as Needed

No matter what your plans are, be flexible enough to make changes as needed. Your seniors might feel too tired to handle certain activities, for example, so change up your plans to accommodate them and allow them to rest. Weather might affect plans with your elderly family members and friends as well. For example, you might need to switch to indoor activities if it’s too hot or rainy for the outdoor ones you had planned.