Are you over 60 and planning to travel? Beware: you are more susceptible
for infectious diseases, even if you are healthy. Find out what the risks are and what you
can do to avoid problems such as illness while travelling.
The number of older travellers is increasing. The extent to which someone falls into the ‘older
traveller’ varies from person to person and depends on various
factors. The immune system has a very gradual decline, starting as early as 40-
age. Particularly from the age of 60, a marked decrease in the functioning of the
immune system takes place, allowing infections to become more frequent and severe, and the
body is less likely to recover. The climate, altitude and accessibility of medical
on-site facilities, safety and hygiene are particularly important for older travellers
to take into account.
What are the additional risks?
Ageing is often accompanied by a decline in lung, heart and kidney function. Older
Travellers may run into problems earlier as a result. Common problems at
older travellers are heart disease, respiratory infections, traveller's diarrhoea and dehydration,
constipation, overheating and hypothermia. (Traffic) accidents are also common.
While travelling, the risk of jet lag, thrombosis leg or pulmonary embolism is higher in older people
persons. In addition, infectious diseases, such as malaria, dengue and
chikungunya is more severe in older individuals.
Preventive measures
Travelling can be physically strenuous, even without special activities. At airports, you put
sometimes travel long distances, not infrequently with time constraints and luggage. It can help to make the
tailor travel pace, transport and accommodation to what is comfortable and feasible for you.
When preparing for the trip, keep the following in mind:
- It is advisable to make an appointment with a
traveller's advice and vaccination agency, preferably before booking the trip.
Sometimes the traveller's advisor will recommend additional precautions or vaccinations, or
you are advised to adjust your medication. - Do you use medicines? Then take a current medication summary from the pharmacy
with you so that the traveller's advisor can advise you properly. - For some drugs, such as strong painkillers, ADHD medication,
sedatives and medicinal cannabis, a doctor's certificate is required. This
should be requested in good time. Information can be found on the website - Consider taking out a good travel and cancellation insurance policy with
sufficient medical assistance and possibility of repatriation. - Choose a travel destination with good and accessible medical facilities.
Tips to avoid illness or discomfort while travelling
- When taking medicine, bring an English-language medicine passport and keep the
medication in hand luggage. - When travelling, always take a travel pharmacy and your vaccination booklet with you. See also the leaflet
‘Travel pharmacy’. - Match activities to your physical capabilities.
- Drink water regularly, even when you are not thirsty, especially in hot weather.
- Be extra vigilant about good hygiene and nutritional measures. Food, especially raw
food, is often not safe. Make sure the food is well heated. In many places
tap water is not safe to drink. Wash your hands regularly. Older travellers
are more likely to have a severe course of traveller's diarrhoea, as the risk of
dehydration is greater. - Depending on the destination, you may need to protect yourself from
insect bites with covering clothes and insect repellent (DEET). It is important
use the bug spray both during the day and at night. - Exercise regularly during long car, bus and plane journeys to prevent thrombosis
occurrence.
Tips to prevent road accidents
- Be careful in traffic, especially in low- and middle-income countries.
- Please note that traffic rules and driving behaviour in other countries are different
may be. - Cross the road only in safe places and watch carefully for traffic from all
sides. Preferably do not walk along busy roads and wear conspicuous
and reflective clothing. - Always use a seat belt in cars, taxis and buses.
- Do not consume alcohol or drugs that impair your responsiveness if you are on
participating in traffic.
More information
In addition to these tips for older travellers, we refer for general health advice at
journey to the ‘General traveller leaflet’.
Download the leaflet below!
