This blog was written by a senior who recently had an unpleasant air travel experience. The blog and comments by other readers express the frustrations shared by many seniors who travel, as well as some helpful suggestions to make the experience a little easier.

http://www.timegoesby.net/weblog/2011/07/air-travel-and-elders.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+TimeGoesBy+%28TIME+GOES+BY%29

Does anyone have any of their own experiences or tips to share?

Here are a few of my own:
Always allot for more time when travelling with a senior and keep in mind that the older we get the more quickly we become fatigued. Keep in mind that if your senior is suffering from dementia a change in environment or fatigue can result in increased confusion and other symptoms. Here are some additional helpful senior travel suggestions from the American Geriatrics Society:

1. Consult with your senior's physician prior to any trip. He or she may want to see your senior for a checkup before departure.

2. Ask your senior's physician to write down (or to provide you with a print out) of the following:
-Past and current medical problems and how they have been or are being treated
-Names (including generic names) of any drugs being taken, doses, and when and how they are taken
-The amount of each drug you need to take with you on your trip
*Be sure to keep this information with you at ALL times on your trip!

3. Pack medications in their original container in the carry-on bag to avoid loss or damage.It helps to have a written medication schedule to reduce confusion. If your senior is accustomed to using a pill box you may want to bring this along and pack it once you've reached your destination. Being away from home can throw us off our routine, so anything to help us stay organized should be considered!

4. If crossing time zones ask your senior's physician about the proper time to take medications and how this should be done.

5. Update vaccinations if necessary.

6. Make sure that both you and your senior drink plenty of water when flying. It is easier to become dehydrated when on an airplane.

7. Sitting for a long time on a plane or train can contribute to deep-vein thrombosis (blood clots that form in the veins), so speak to your senior's physician about special compression stockings that can help prevent this.

8. Protect against infection by remembering to wash hands and carrying alcohol-based "hand sanitizer".

For more information, go to www.healthinaging.org. Customized Care Plan