Planning a family vacation with grandparents? This is a great way to bond and create multi-generational memories. But it might not always be easy. Senior adults tend to get tired much more easily than the grandkids. And if you have a packed schedule without enough downtime, the trip might really take a toll. Follow these tips for making travel easier for Grandma and Grandpa.
Limit long-distance walking
Even if you have athletic grandparents who take their workouts seriously, it’s still a good idea to limit the amount of long-distance walking involved in your trip. Don’t plan activities such as hiking and backpacking, because Grandma and Grandpa might be left behind. You can also avoid choosing a destination that will require a long ride in the car to get there.
Plan transportation accordingly
Proper planning is essential if you’re traveling with the seniors. Schedule everything you’ll need for the journey ahead of time so you won’t have to wait a long time to be served. If you’re flying, book the seats ahead of time so you can choose the most comfortable ones. You can also book an extra room so your grandparents won’t have to cram into rooms with lots of other people. Do your research and come up with appropriate transportation for the seniors, considering their comfort and safety. Having their own room so they can get rested is one way of making travel easier for Grandma and Grandpa
Invest in an upright walker
Some seniors may have mobility issues. Consider investing in upright walkers or mobility chairs to make traveling a little easier. These walkers are safe, cost-effective, and highly flexible. Invest in the best walker on the market to ensure flexibility and comfort. Your grandparents may not be able to stand for a long time due to issues such as fatigue and poor balance, but with an upright walker, you won’t be leaving them behind. Click here to see a great example of an appropriate walker that will ease their mobility.
Consider dietary restrictions ahead of time
While this applies to travelers of all ages, seniors are more likely to have diet restriction issues because of the many health issues that can be associated with old age. They might need to adhere to a strict diet to remain in good shape. Changing someone’s diet abruptly can have a severe effect on their health. Be mindful of what types of foods you’re going to eat while on your trip and if they’re appropriate for your grandparents. Researching tips for nutrition in senior adults can help you identify the best types of restaurants to pick. And, if one or both of the grandparents are diabetic, make sure to have a snack on hand in case their blood sugar drops too low. Having the right foods helps make traveling easier for grandma and grandpa.
Carry medication
Your grandparents may have health conditions associated with old age that they need to manage with daily medication. When traveling, don’t make the mistake of placing essential medications in the checked baggage. Instead, put them in a small handbag and ensure you have it close wherever you go. You should also bring along a list of medications and their appropriate dosages just in case you need to see a doctor while on the trip.
Have fun
Traveling with your grandparents can be a blast, and you’re going to make a lot of memories together. So don’t forget to enjoy the moment! Do what you can to make the trip easier for any senior adults along, but then set aside the logistics and focus on creating new memories together.
Leave a Reply