Photo by Kenneth M. del Rosario
Traveling with senior citizens may be different than backpacking alone or a trip with the barkada, but that doesn’t mean it needs to be less fun and exciting. It’s certainly manageable. All you need is a few tweaks to your travel plans and everything should be fine.
So whether you’re traveling with your grandparent or any elderly companion, here are some useful tips to remember to make the trip safer and more enjoyable for every one.
- Plan your itinerary with the elderly in mind.
Research the place you want to go to. If you’re traveling with the elderly, perhaps it’s not the brightest idea to go mountain climbing. Yes, that famous waterfalls may make for a nice photo for Instagram, but if it involves a strenuous hike to get there, that should probably be reserved for the next trip. Instead, plan something that every one would enjoy—perhaps a day on the beach; a visit to museums and historical sites, to beautiful gardens, or destinations with an unobstructed view of the city; dining in a local restaurant, or even dropping by a distant relative who lives in the area. The possibilities are endless.
2. Consider planning alternate activities.
It’s possible to go on a tourist destination together but with the young ones and the elderly participating in different activities. It’s like going to Enchanted Kingdom—the children go on the extreme rides while the grandparents watch a physically less taxing but equally entertaining magic show. If you really must bungee jump, make sure to find an alternate activity for your elderly companions—perhaps drop them off to a nearby pasalubong center or historical church and pick them up after your activity.
Photo by Kenneth M. del Rosario
3. Make travel as comfortable as possible.
If you’re going on a road trip, make sure that the elderly is seated in the seat with the most leg room. Make regular stops for bathroom breaks and stretching exercises. Bringing a neck pillow may do wonders, too. If you’re going on a plane ride, see if you can seat your elderly companion in the aisle so he or she can move more easily.
4. Bring a foldable chair.
If you’re going on a place where you’re not sure there would be resting places available, consider bringing a light, foldable chair. Remember that your elderly companion’s legs may not be as strong as yours and they get tired more easily. Cranes that transform into a chair may be a good option.
5. Pack extra medication.
Should you be going on a long trip with a senior citizen, ensure that they have sufficient supply of the medication they need to take—and bring some extra for good measure. It’s always better to have excess supply, in case the trip gets extended for a day or two.