The Trip Is Still Worth Taking
We tend to have this mindset that we work hard our entire lives so that one day we can retire and travel. For many people, that dream becomes reality. The next time you're at the beach, take a look around at the age range. If you're visiting a national park, notice how many people are finding ways to explore despite mobility limitations.
The reality is that many older adults eventually conclude they are "too old" to do those things anymore. More often than not, it isn't because they have lost the desire to travel. It's because the logistics have become overwhelming.
The planning feels like a hassle. The airport feels like a hassle. Managing medications, mobility equipment, fatigue, and unfamiliar environments can feel like a hassle.
And truthfully, sometimes it is.
That can be incredibly difficult to witness as a family member, friend, or professional when you know the adventurous spirit is still there, but the barriers begin to outweigh the excitement of the experience.
The good news is that many of those barriers can be anticipated and planned for, allowing people to continue participating in the trips, experiences, and memories that matter most.
Why Travel Matters
Traveling isn't necessarily about where the destination is or how fancy the accommodations are. It's about meaningful connections, spending time with friends and family, and forming memories that stay with us long after the suitcase has been unpacked. It brings us a sense of purpose to experience time with others.
Whether your plans involve a cruise, a family reunion, or a grandchild's destination wedding, travel allows us to participate in moments we don't want to miss.
For many people, some of life's most treasured memories are tied to places. The annual trip to the beach that you've taken for decades. The favorite restaurant in a city you have always loved. The cabin rented every Fourth of July, where you watched your children learn to swim in the lake. The places themselves hold a special place in our hearts, but more often, it is the people and experiences attached to them that make them memorable.
As we age, it can be easy to focus on the challenges of getting there. Planning, modifying, and accommodating are words I hear often. Sometimes the effort required begins to feel greater than the reward. But there is something worth protecting in those experiences.
There is value in seeing your grandchildren run toward you at the airport. In putting your feet in the ocean one more time. In sitting around a table with family members whose schedules rarely align. In continuing to participate in the traditions and moments that help tell the story of our lives.
We simply never know when a "last time" will be.
If making that trip is still possible, even if it requires a little more planning or support from others, it may be worth it. While the planning may look different than it once did, the desire to connect, explore, and make memories rarely disappears. It simply deserves a little more support.
Before You Book
Society loves a good checklist. We make them for weddings, holiday gatherings, grocery shopping, and daily to-do lists. Travel is no different—especially when planning a trip later in life.
A little extra thought before booking can make the difference between a stressful experience and one that feels manageable, enjoyable, and worth the effort.
Consider the following:
Transportation
Can a long drive be tolerated comfortably, or would breaking the trip into multiple days be a more feasible option? Consider how often stops may be needed and whether sitting for extended periods is realistic. This can be especially difficult for individuals living with chronic pain, arthritis, stiffness, or other conditions that make prolonged sitting uncomfortable.
Air Travel
Many travelers don't realize that wheelchair assistance can be requested (at no extra cost) when booking a flight. This service can help navigate the airport from check-in to the gate and may conserve valuable energy for the trip itself. Consider bathroom logistics, boarding assistance, and who may be available to help if needed.
Hotel vs. Airbnb
Look beyond the photos. Consider elevator access, stairs, bathroom setup, shower accessibility, bed height, and how easy it will be to move around the space safely when choosing.
Destination and Itinerary
That charming beach town, historic city, or national park may be exactly what you're looking for—but what does getting around actually involve? Think about walking distances, uneven terrain, ferry rides, guided tours, train connections, and other activities that may require additional planning.
Cancellation Policies
Life happens. Illness, weather, and unexpected circumstances can affect travel plans at any age. Flexible booking can provide peace of mind to everyone and protect your investment should your plans change unexpectedly.
Before You Leave
Everyone has a different idea of what is most important to bring on vacation. We know those folks who somehow get away for weeks with only a carry-on bag and those who pack enough for every possible scenario on a weekend trip. Dare I say—let's find a happy medium?
Consider bringing:
• Medications (plus a few extra days' worth if possible)
• Passport, ID, insurance cards, and a current medication list—having this information readily available can be invaluable should medical care be needed while away from home.
• Mobility equipment such as a walker, cane, or transport chair—stick with the equipment you use successfully in your day-to-day life. Don't leave something behind simply to pack lighter.
• Incontinence supplies or protective items that are typically used at home
• Phone chargers and any necessary medical equipment chargers
• Emergency contact information
• Comfortable footwear that has already been "broken in"
Most importantly, think through your daily routine at home. What helps you feel successful, comfortable, and independent? Try to bring the essentials that support those routines.
While You're There
One of the biggest mistakes we see is trying to do too much.
Vacations are exciting. Families are together. There is often pressure to maximize every minute. However, successful travel is rarely about fitting more into the schedule—it's about having enough energy to enjoy the experiences that matter most.
Consider:
• Any quick trips to the store to purchase an over-the-toilet commode, suction-cup grab bars, or other non-invasive modifications that may make a rented home more comfortable and accessible
• Scheduling downtime between activities
•Remaining hydrated, especially in warmer climates
• Taking advantage of transportation options rather than walking long distances unnecessarily
• Communicating needs with family members ahead of time
• Allowing flexibility in the itinerary
There is no prize for pushing through exhaustion, pain, or fatigue. The goal is participation, not perfection.
It is also important to remember that the vacation is for everyone. It is okay to sit out during an activity or have a different idea of what a calm experience is. If expectations are set ahead of time, there is less risk of frustration or disappointment later.
Adventure Doesn't Have an Age Limit
Growing older may require more planning than it once did, but planning is not the same as limitation.
The families we meet often assume travel is no longer possible because of mobility challenges, health conditions, or the logistics involved. In reality, many of those obstacles can be addressed with thoughtful preparation and realistic expectations.
Adventure doesn't have to mean hiking a mountain or crossing an ocean. Sometimes it's visiting grandchildren, taking a weekend getaway, returning to a favorite beach, or finally seeing a place you've always wanted to explore.
The destination may look different from what it did twenty years ago. The pace may be slower. The checklist may be longer. Consider making the trip around one or two experiences that are most important to you and your loved ones. If the goal is to put your feet in the ocean, there are often more ways to make that happen than people realize. The key is identifying what matters most and building the trip around those experiences.
In the end, making memories, shared connections, and adventure do not come with an age limit.
Written by Kayla Fluder, PT, DPT, CAPS
“We don’t stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing.”