The Elderly Traveler

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Old age has been divided into different groups: biological, physiological, emotional and functional. Advances in science and technology, as well as improvements in health services available, have played an important role in the increasing number of elderly in the world. The 20 th century saw an increase in both anticipated and actual life expectancy figures, a phenomenon described as the ‘aging population’. In the year 2020, life expectancy at birth is predicted to reach 70. Travel satisfies old age people needs for adventure in many ways. Most personal problems stem from rushing to meet a schedule of pleasure and joy. And during travels everything is permitted, specially food and sedentary activities, most of them due to physical and health limits. But how far can they go traveling? If they have to share their travel with prescribed medicines; diabetes; neurological problems; obesity and diets; vision and hearing loss; walking limitations versus jet lag; altitudes problems; airport/aircraft long stay/ pulmonary thromboembolism risks; lazy attitudes during cruises; infection disease risks and adult immunization status.