According to the White Paper on Active Aging by the Spanish Institute of Older Persons and Social Services, 53% of seniors start new activities after the age of 65, a figure higher than the 9.5% from three decades ago. One of the favorite activities of this group is traveling.
In fact, the radiography conducted by Eurostat indicates that just under half (45%) of older people travel, and they do so within their country and for longer periods. But, really, there is no age for it. “We cannot fall into the mistake of thinking that by being 60 or 70 years old we will like a series of specific things: if when we were 40, we liked cities and now we don’t, it’s not because we are older, but because our tastes have changed. In addition, some people love cruises, for example, while others, even if they can afford it, do not like them at all,” underscores sociologist Dr. Irene Lebrusán, from the International Center on Aging (CENIE).
We must not make the mistake of thinking that just because we are 60 or 70 years old, we will like certain specific things (when it comes to traveling)”
So, do older people travel more now than before? The researcher argues that what has changed is the way we perceive old age: “It is no longer a stage of disconnection, where there is a sort of introspection or retreat to the home or to oneself. Now, not only have we gained life expectancy, but our physical conditions are also better.”
The expert also points out that, in general, economic conditions have improved. “This does not mean that all older people have their needs met, but more so than 40 years ago,” she states. Finally, the expert mentions that it is important to consider that in the past, “older people didn’t travel much, but then again, neither did the young.”
The key and main benefit of traveling, according to the expert, is to socialize and interact with other people, at a stage in life where loneliness can creep in. Older adults can enjoy the same benefits as the rest of the population segments, such as discovering new places, stimulating and expanding the mind, improving emotional well-being, understanding other cultures, exercising the ability to be surprised, and allowing for personal discovery. However, with experience, knowledge, more free time, and the life journey of seniors, the advantages can be amplified at these ages.
Tips for traveling better
“Throughout our lifecycle, we feel like traveling in a certain way that may be different from before,” says Lebrusán. “Perhaps we don’t feel like visiting the same destinations or engaging in the same leisure activities as when we were 20, but this varies from person to person.” However, when we are ready to travel, it is advisable to place special emphasis on certain aspects that, while they may apply to everyone, are particularly relevant when it comes to older individuals.”
Medical check-up
“Before starting your vacation, it is always advisable to undergo a medical examination so that the doctor can confirm good health and certify that you are fit to travel.” This is one of the pieces of advice from Viola Migliori, the Southern Europe director of Evaneos, a tourism platform that connects travelers with local agents. During the summer, seniors, for instance, are particularly sensitive to heat and require closer monitoring, as explained by the Ministry of Health. In winter, they are also a vulnerable group to cold weather, influenza, COVID, and other conditions related to low temperatures. Additionally, those with chronic illnesses should continue their regular medication.
“The doctor will provide personalized recommendations, and depending on the destination country, it is necessary to arrange for mandatory or recommended vaccines to prevent infections,” comments Migliori. Additionally, “It is advisable to carry a copy of the prescribed prescriptions and to travel with more medication than necessary, distributing it, for example, in the carry-on bag and the suitcase to prevent running out of it in case of lost luggage,” recommends the manager.
Complete documentation
The main thing is to have a valid ID card and passport, but it’s important to find out about the requirements of each destination. When traveling, it’s not a bad idea to keep the originals and copies of your credit card, personal and medical documents, hotel reservation, and any other travel-related information in separate, accessible, and secure places.
Trip planning
Not only does it help us feel more relaxed, secure, and reduce the chances of incidents, but it also allows us to start enjoying the trip from the beginning. Defining the destinations, booking tickets and accommodation, checking for discounts for seniors or retirees. It’s good to know the activities to do and take advantage of buying tickets online, if possible.
“The organization of the trip should take into account the physical condition of each individual and confirm that the activities or excursions are appropriate, opting for visits with easy access, avoiding slopes or stairs, and including planned breaks—underestimating downtime should not be overlooked—to help recover, especially in destinations where the weather is extreme,” suggests the directive from Evaneos. Additionally, it is important to learn about the culture and customs of the destination to avoid uncomfortable situations. It’s not about avoiding improvisation, but rather organizing the essentials.”
The organization of the trip must take into account the physical condition of each person.
Choose the destination
It will always depend on each individual’s tastes and possibilities. To travel comfortably and without surprises, seniors should consider the distances and the duration of the journey. Ideally, short journeys are best, but if the travel adventure involves a longer trip, it is important to make sure there will be stops to facilitate mobility and hydration. The most demanded domestic destinations by people over 60 years old are many, but according to the Ministry of Social Rights, Consumption and the 2030 Agenda, there is a certain trend towards preferring the good weather of Andalusia and the islands, although places with a rich cultural heritage, good gastronomic offerings, and nature trails are also favorites.
The accommodation
It is advisable to be central, even if they may seem more expensive at first. In the long run, you save time by being close to emblematic places and money on transportation. As for the facilities, one must pay attention to individual needs: in the case of mobility issues, it is good to make sure that the facilities are adapted with ramps, handrails, etc.
The seasonality
According to Eurostat data, travelers over 65 spend 58% of their tourist nights in the low season, helping to combat seasonality. Traveling off-season is very enjoyable, as it avoids crowds and offers more reasonable prices.
Travel insurance
Viola Migliori also considers it important to hire insurance that covers any unexpected events during the trip, in order to enjoy it with greater peace of mind. This way, “inconveniences such as flight cancellations, situations requiring medical attention, or loss of luggage will be covered”.
Luggage
To facilitate mobility and avoid carrying unnecessary weight, it is advisable to make a previous list of everything that will be taken. An idea to not forget anything is to imagine dressing from bottom to top and choose versatile garments. “It is convenient to distribute the luggage in small suitcases, with wheels and lightweight, and adapt the clothing and footwear to the weather and activities,” adds the travel expert. “If you are taking a long journey, it is advisable to bring cushions or neck pillows to rest properly,” she advises.
Self-care
In travels, it is common to walk a lot, so it is advisable to prepare ourselves by going for a walk every day before the trip to arrive in good shape. On the other hand, being over 65 years old is a risk factor when facing heatwaves and solar radiation. Migliori recommends avoiding exposure during the central hours of the day, applying a high-factor, environmentally friendly sunscreen every two hours, and using hats and sunglasses.
It is also advisable to prevent food poisoning, for which basic precautions should be taken: “Drink bottled water, do not consume ice cubes or raw food from street vendors, wash fruits and vegetables, and avoid consuming dairy products that are not packaged or pasteurized. It is recommended to carry a small kit with medications to address possible digestive problems and disinfectant wipes to clean hands before any meal,” advises the Evaneos manager, who reminds that it is important to stay hydrated through regular intake of water, caffeine-free infusions, and fruits such as watermelon or melon. Migliori adds that “dehydration in older people can lead to dizziness, exhaustion, mental confusion, and other situations that can complicate their health status.”
Always connected
It is advisable to share the information about booked flights, hotels, and excursions with a trusted person in case any unforeseen event occurs. Before embarking on the trip, it is important to confirm the roaming service with the telephone operator and familiarize oneself with map apps, transportation options, and online translation services. It is essential to always carry the mobile phone with the maximum charge possible and preferably an external battery.
Travel alone or with an organized group?
If you want to take a big trip to an international destination and have never traveled before, it may be a good idea to consider booking an organized tour. This way, you can rely on a professional who will take care of the paperwork, provide information, advice, and assistance to the traveler. The challenge will be to choose the right one, as the offer is vast and varied. Some tours try to cover too much in a short amount of time, but it is preferable to visit fewer places and spend more time in each one. Traveling in a group is a way to get started, which provides confidence and security, from which to learn and perhaps feel like organizing the next trip on your own. In the United States, joining a subsidized tourism program like the IMSERSO is also a good option for affordable travel, as long as the requirements are met.
When traveling alone, whether it’s due to having experience or to experience the adventure of solo travel, it’s important to remember that accommodation costs are usually the same for one person as they are for two. Therefore, you can try sharing a room with someone who has similar characteristics to reduce costs. Plus, it’s a great way to socialize.
Retirees, on the beach in Benidorm.
When planning everything online, it is important to pay attention not only to whether it is a reliable website and the prices, but also to the fine print to avoid unpleasant surprises. For example, if you book a tour, it is essential to confirm that it is in the language you understand.
