It’s well said that traveling is the only investment that you purchase and become richer. Of Course, traveling can be full of amazing experiences as you explore new places and create new memories with your loved ones. Unfortunately, for seniors who have limited mobility, it is challenging to see the world and spend some quality time with their family and friends.
As per the research, mobility constraints affect 35% of people above 70. The aging adults want to travel the world for many reasons. Some seniors want to spend their retirement time peacefully while building more cherished memories for a lifetime. Others want to gear up for vacations as they have enough time and money to enjoy foreign destinations.
However, as people age, they feel weak or they are not physically/ mentally fit to travel. Sometimes, traveling for too long or too fast can put their health at risk. Well, by following a few safety tips, seniors can have a joyful trip. Here are the important tips for Seniors with limited mobility and their caregivers-
Talk to the Doctor:
Before making any vacation plan, it is important to make sure that the primary care doctor is aware of it. Have that doctor make thorough health checks to ensure that the senior is perfectly fit for the trip. Carry all the necessary prescriptions and refill them to avoid any hassle in the middle of the vacation.
Keep the Trip Short:
A one-month vacation is not a big deal for the younger adults, but for the seniors who are above 60 or 70 with limited mobility, it seems next to impossible. They won’t like to stay away from their home for too long. It is recommended to keep the trip short while having a precise itinerary. The trip activities should involve proper comfort and accessibility for seniors.
Choose the Right Accommodation:
It is crucial to choose the accommodation that supports the guests who have limited mobility. Make sure that there are ramps and elevators. In addition, check the nearby hospitals, restaurants, and other amenities. During the trip, there will be some hours when the seniors will want to spend their “ME” time for a while, maybe by reading near the garden or relaxing by the pool. Caregivers should be sure that the seniors won’t struggle to find accommodation independently.
Bring the Mobility Devices:
It is best to bring mobility devices such as walkers, electric scooters, wheelchairs, or canes on board. Usually, airlines don’t charge for bringing mobility devices. Thus, seniors with limited mobility can easily use their wheelchairs or scooters during the trip and enjoy the trip with their children and grandchildren.
Limit Activities:
It is common for travelers to desire to attend all the local events and hit the big attractions. But for aging adults, it is daunting to hold the rigorous activity. Thus, it is for the caregivers, who need to consider how much standing and walking their seniors can realistically handle. It’s a good idea to break the trip into 2-3 days rather than 15-16 hours straight. Once you reach your accommodation, plan to visit only 2-3 destinations or activities each day and ensure the rest time in between.
The Conclusion
Traveling can be an enjoyable and unforgettable experience for the aging adults. They love to explore new sights and live out their dream of visiting different places in the world. If you are a caregiver and understand the specific needs of your seniors, then traveling with them can undoubtedly be a rewarding time for you.
Well, there are some services available in Delhi, NCR for senior living or assisted living, that help seniors and their caregivers to enjoy their holidays. ProTribe is one of the best organizations offering senior living services while ensuring their safety and care.
