Aging shouldn’t keep your elder from traveling and interacting with the world at large, if they still have the capacity and drive to do so. Travel can still be an exciting experience for them, but it takes a great deal of organization. Complications you would never think of can arise. Something as simple as jet lag could pose a major problem since it takes many elderly twice as long to recover from it. So, the key is to plan ahead. After discussing every possible detail together, make a list that includes all of the supplies, medications, and other items that are needed for the trip. Make sure that you buy whatever is needed before the trip, because they might often not have time to shop once they’ve reached their destination.

Always check for senior or handicapped discounts (if applicable), and consider traveling midweek or off-season, if your dates are flexible. Pay a little extra for non-stop flights, trains, and buses to reduce travel time and eliminate complications, such as having to change planes. Always make sure your elder has any medications (plus written prescriptions) with them at all times, not in their checked luggage. Also, they should bring an extra set of eyeglasses as well as a copy of the prescription. If your elder wears a medical bracelet or necklace, be sure all information is up to date including medicine, allergies, doctors’ numbers, e-mail addresses, and cell phone numbers. It is always a good idea to photocopy important documents such as a passport, credit cards, and driver’s license in the event of theft or loss. This can save time if replacements are needed. If their travel time is long, pack some healthy snacks, in case your elder gets hungry during the trip.

As for your destination, state bureaus of tourism, state parks, historical societies, and local chambers of commerce are all excellent sources of travel information, but remember to be very specific regarding any special needs your elder might have. The more specific you are, the more likely you are to get the exact information you need. For example, “Bed and Breakfast” style inns will often have a room that can accommodate a special needs person, including wheelchair-accessible shower stalls.

It’s also quite common for your elder to be invited to family gatherings or special events. This can be both a joy and a challenge, especially if the event is a good distance away. One of my clients was invited to a wedding, a surprise birthday for her sister three months later, and a family reunion six months after that. These invitations produced a lot of anxiety for her, and meant a lot of detail work on my part in order for her to enjoy a stress-free time with family and friends. We discussed all of the details, and made our lists, including necessary purchases, such as new outfits or gifts. We made sure to send any gifts in advance, just to have one less thing to worry about. I checked out the transportation and the hotels, and made all the arrangements. I also made sure that her aide was able to accompany her to all three events. Everything went as planned, and I even asked family members at each event to supply us with pictures. When the pictures arrived we put them into a scrapbook, which gave her a chance to re-live her travels, and share her experiences with friends.