Traveling is still one of the great joys of life, but the body at 70+ does not respond the same as it does at 50. What was once an exciting journey can become, without good planning, a chain of medical risks, medication mismatches, and unexpected expenses.
This article is not intended to scare you: it seeks to empower you to decide wisely and take care of your health. Always consult with your trusted doctor.
6 reasons to avoid long trips if you’re over 70
1) Deep vein thrombosis (immobility clots)
What’s going on: Sitting for 6–12 hours reduces venous return in the legs, thickens the blood through dehydration, and promotes clots that can migrate to the lungs (embolism).
Warning signs: pain or heaviness in the calves, unilateral swelling, local heat.
How to reduce your risk: hydrate, walk every 60–90 minutes, wear graduated compression stockings, choose an aisle seat and ask if you need prophylaxis if you take anticoagulants or have a history.
2) Cardiopulmonary stress from altitude, cabin pressure, and extreme weather
What’s going on: Pressurized cabins are equivalent to 1,800–2,400 m altitude; there is less oxygen per breath. Heat/humidity or extreme cold require quick adjustments to the heart and lungs.
Warning signs: Unusual shortness of breath, chest tightness, dizziness, palpitations, swollen ankles.
How to reduce your risk: Temperate climate destinations, shorter trips, portable oximeter if you have COPD/HF, and plan with your cardiologist or pulmonologist before long flights.
3) More severe immunosenescence infections
What’s going on: With age, the immune system responds more slowly; new pathogens, air conditioners and local waters increase the risk of respiratory or gastrointestinal symptoms.
Warning signs: persistent fever, diarrhea with dehydration, cough that gets worse.
How to reduce risk: up-to-date vaccinations (influenza, pneumococcus, COVID-19, as indicated), strict hygiene guidelines, bottled water, and choice of well-ventilated and cleaned accommodation.
4) Medication chaos when crossing time zones
What’s going on: Time adherence is critical in drugs such as anticoagulants, insulin, antihypertensives or thyroid drugs. Changing time zones causes omissions or duplications.
Risks: bleeding or thrombosis due to poorly dosed anticoagulants; hypo/hyperglycemia; thyroid decompensations.
How to reduce risk: written schedule plan validated by your doctor, pill box with alarms, medication always in hand luggage and translated digital prescriptions.
5) More falls and confusion in unfamiliar environments
What’s going on: Hotels and unfamiliar streets (lighting, steps, slippery floors) + jet lag = tripling the risk of falling. The extra cognitive effort reduces attention.
How to reduce the risk: ground floor or elevator, grab bars in the bathroom, non-slip footwear, clear night route to the bathroom, cane or walker if you already use it.
6) Economic and logistical impact of an emergency abroad
What’s going on: Limited coverage for pre-existing conditions, advance payments, language barriers, and very expensive medical evacuations.
How to reduce risk: If you travel, verify in writing coverage for pre-existing conditions, co-pays, evacuation cap, and hospital network; Register your trip at the embassy and bring a medical summary in your language and English.
Does it mean you can’t travel?
It means traveling differently:
- It prefers nearby destinations (3–4 hours) and temperate climates.
- Choose road trips with stops every 90 minutes.
- Consider cruises with onboard medical service if your doctor approves.
- Plan for intermediate seasons (avoid temperature extremes and crowds).
Practical advice before deciding
- Prior consultation (4–6 weeks before): cardiology/pulmonology/clinical medicine according to your history.
- Medical checklist: clinical summary in PDF (diagnoses, drugs, allergies), recent electro if applicable, emergency contacts.
- Hydration and movement plan: 250–300 ml of water per flight hour; short walks and ankle flexion-extension every 30–45 min.
- Equipment: graduated compression stockings (if your doctor indicates it), oximeter, folding cane, footwear with good grip.
- Medications: adapted and validated schedule, duplicate prescriptions, pill box with alarms and extra stock of 5–7 days.
- Safe accommodation: ground floor or lift, bathroom with bars/walk-in shower, good night lighting.
- Adequate insurance: explicit coverage of pre-existing conditions, translation of policy, evacuation limit ≥ the estimated actual cost; 24/7 telephones.
- Plan B nearby: identifies two reputable hospitals in the destination; Register your trip at the Embassy/Consulate.
Your golden years should be long and of quality. If you are going to travel, let it be with the same care with which you protect your health every day. Sometimes, the best is closer: short getaways, mild climates, and flexible plans that take care of your heart, mind, and pocketbook.
