With proper preparation, support, and accommodations, seniors in assisted living can still travel.
Comfort and care concerns are addressed, and staff assist with managing mobility needs and day-to-day care during journeys.
Flexible travel choices such as special transportation, slower-paced schedules, and small group tours are available.
Travel does wonders for health and happiness, and offers older people fresh experiences and deeper ties.
“To travel is to live.”
– Hans Christian Andersen (Danish Author)
You should not let your hobbies, like traveling, fade away just because you’re growing older.
Many elderly folks enjoy getting away on a trip to visit family, unwind, or simply discover new regions.
Actually, a recent poll indicated that 62% of respondents aged over 50 are actively planning some form of leisure travel each year (Source: ticketinghub).
If you or your loved one is in assisted living, you might be asking yourself this: Is travel still a possibility?
Yes, it absolutely can be!
This blog will explain what travel can be both these days and in the future, and why it matters for seniors in assisted living.
Comfort And Care
You don’t need to worry about the things you need to do, as there will be staff who can help you with daily tasks.
They can also offer resources about picking destinations that fit a person’s mobility needs.
Some folks want to step onto a beach, however, others want to see a historical landmark or scenic overlook.
Some groups even organize visits to lesser-known heritage sites or quiet retreats that are easily accessible.
I have attached the senior travel statistics for you to assess the data. Please take a moment to familiarize yourself with the data before proceeding with the rest of the blog for a better understanding and context.
Adapting To Different Needs
Though some older adults may be seen using wheelchairs or portable oxygen during travel, not everyone moves in the same way.
They are still able to catch flights and check out appealing locales with some advanced planning, extra attention, and a straightforward itinerary.
There are ways to book accommodations that offer ramps and accessible bathrooms, and travelers can arrange for transportation that won’t become a hassle.
It’s not always about seeing the most places; sometimes it can be about taking a slower pace.
It allows for full enjoyment of each moment, which can bring a sense of well-being that lasts well after the trip ends.
Balance And Excitement
People often wonder if that spark of adventure fades with age; well, to be honest, it doesn’t.
You still have a lot of great chances to connect with new scenes, local cultures, and fresh sights.
“Travel can bring renewed energy and excitement,” said Dharam Khalsa, who is a Certified Senior Advisor at Mirador Living. “They can keep exploring when there’s a plan that meets them where they are.”
Support Beyond The Trip
Coming back from a journey can be just as enjoyable, as friends, staff, and family in an assisted living facility would want to interact with and see photo displays of the trip.
Distance is not a problem, older adults can still access some of the more hidden scenic gems in their area or fly to places they have always dreamed of visiting.
Statistics You Must Know!! The percentage of travelers aged 60 and older reached nearly 37 percent in 2023, compared to 16.45 percent in 2020-2021. They are not back to the pre-pandemic levels of 46.3 percent.
Practical Steps
Many retirees are finding travel packages that have meals, transfers, and small group tours built into the pricing, with destinations that have a calm climate and good weather.
For some, even a minimal outing can refresh them, especially those who want to take a break but don’t want to miss out on new experiences.
Attention to detail, such as adding booking time for transfer flights, often changes the travel experience for all.
Yes, travel remains an option, and some folks create memories in a single day trip, however, others go on longer explorations.
Either way, there’s the promise of new experiences, the reassurance of support, and the knowledge that life never stops offering fresh horizons when people stay open to what’s next.
In Conclusion!!
Just because you live in an assisted living facility, that does not mean you can’t travel and enjoy your life anymore.
Through proper planning and sufficient means, you can still visit family or go on a holiday to recharge.
You can have moments away from your usual routine that bring you happiness, new energy, and special memories.
Weekend trips or even more extravagant getaways, at your age, are an opportunity to pursue what you enjoy, and that is an empowering thought.
For those pondering if one can travel, the answer is yes, so maybe it is time for you to start mapping out your next venture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can seniors living in assisted facilities go on trips?
Of course, with the right assistance and planning, both short and long trips can be taken by seniors in assisted living.
What types of travel are suitable for the elderly with mobility challenges?
Guided tours with ramps as well as accommodations with safety features are some of the most accessible travel options.
Is it safe for elderly individuals to travel alone?
Traveling with a companion is usually safer and more enjoyable, but many senior-friendly services offer support for traveling options.
In what ways can staff in assisted living aid with travel planning?
Staff can take care of health services for a traveler, covering medication, caregiving, logistics, travel settings, and the rest while on the move.
