Hiw old is too old to travel by yourself? 85?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Is she really traveling alone? Or with friends?
My aunt travels a lot at 90 indpeenently but she is in amazing health. She was the primary caregiver for 3 others with Alzheimer’s. She’s sharp and strong. She takes flights by herself with no problem but I don’t think she really travels by herself because she’d be bored so waits until a friend is available. She will go into the city to the museum or opera by herself though.

The worat was when she insisted on walking 10 blocks across th city to see us (outdoors) when she had covid. She was mad we insisted on walking her back but honestly I had trouble keeping up with her. She’s a force. Some people are just like that. I’m sure she’ll die eventually but I honestly can’t imagine it!

In case someone asks what her secret is….ill just say that she has worn comfortable shoes her entire life, has always been a good cook who eats all natural home cooked food of great variety, and has a lot of interests.

She sounds determined to be independent. This is huge as people age. Plenty of people want to be cared for, which is bad for healthy longevity. Walking, having interests, being determined. And sure, good genes help.

[Anonymous]

ILs were traveling internationally into their early 90s and were fine, until they weren't, and then they stopped traveling. Same with my parents, but much younger, mid-80s.

Every person and every body is different, I would say it conpletely depends on her individual health

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am younger than your mom, but was a bit worried that I might have a medical crisis while I overseas alone.

My older friend had a rather harsh but also wise response: “would you rather die alone in Europe on vacation or alone on your couch watching TV? “

Exactly, as long as your kids don’t have to come rescue you or make final arrangements across the globe

I’d happily rescue my mom abroad. I want her to get every drop out of life that she wishes. 89 and still going strong.

That's amazing. My mom is in her 70s and won't even take a 2 hour flight to visit my sister. I agree, if they are living their lives, that's a gift. Anyone could have a medical issue oversees- in fact I've know several, and none were old.

[Anonymous]

We had a 94 year old man travel solo from Australia to Bucharest for a 3-1/2 week river boat cruise on the Danube.

There were a lot of people in their 80's solo on that trip.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We had a 94 year old man travel solo from Australia to Bucharest for a 3-1/2 week river boat cruise on the Danube.

There were a lot of people in their 80's solo on that trip.

God bless them. You have to live your life.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My mother is 89, worried about her continuing national nevermind international travel. At least she’s not driving.

If you'll be responsible for her care, request to stop traveling and stay where her healthcare system is in place. Insisting of travel knowing it could really complicate your life, is reckless and selfish behavior, you shouldn't encourage it. There is so much that can go wrong and also cost a lot. There is no need to drive either, getting occasional Ubers is cheaper than maintaining a car. Have an honest conversation and involve a sensible person whose opinion she values to help her understand all of this.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My mother is 89, worried about her continuing national nevermind international travel. At least she’s not driving.

If she is 89, you are probably above 60 yourself, you don't need unnecessary mental, physical or financial stress.

[Anonymous]

My mom is 80 and doesn't want to travel anymore. Everyone's financial, logistical, physical and mental circumstances are different.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am younger than your mom, but was a bit worried that I might have a medical crisis while I overseas alone.

My older friend had a rather harsh but also wise response: “would you rather die alone in Europe on vacation or alone on your couch watching TV? “

Exactly, as long as your kids don’t have to come rescue you or make final arrangements across the globe

I’d happily rescue my mom abroad. I want her to get every drop out of life that she wishes. 89 and still going strong.

There are so many ways to make the most of life.

[Anonymous]

People of all ages have different preferences, a preference -to- travel, a preference -not to- travel, concerns that matter to them. Things they think are an inconvenience. Nothing different because of age.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’d ask her to make sure she has insurance to cover her getting back to the states if medical issues arise while she is overseas. Does she travel on group tours or solo?

+1

Or even just get her an annual policy.

Yes, my aunt and uncle who basically travel all over the world for at least 6 months of the year have an annual policy. I will say that when my uncle broke a bone in Portugal, it was a bit of a nightmare for my aunt getting him home. But it hasn’t stopped their travel. And I 100% would rather die traveling than sitting at home.

[Anonymous]

I don't want to be ill or disabled overseas.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I don't want to be ill or disabled overseas.

That can happen at any age. I would guess if an older person is healthy enough to travel overseas, they aren't at much more risk of a medical emergency during their vacation that anyone else.

[Anonymous]

Check she has repatriation insurance and your phone number prominently displayed. Maybe on one of those emergency bracelet thingies.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I hear they have hospitals in other places. And doctors too. People are kind everywhere. And if someone collapses, medical help would be called, by someone

Yeah, something might happen. Something could happen just like something could happen somewhere very ordinary, like the bathroom of her own home.

True. My mother had a heart attack while traveling in Europe. She received excellent care at the fraction of the cost (Medicare even covered part of it IIRC).