I heard somewhere flying is dangerous for elders due to blood clot risk. A friend just pointed out to me that flying with my mother could be dangerous to here, they said many elders have had difficulty and actually can be fatal due to blood clots forming at the high altitude with the poor circulation.....I will ask her doctor Monday, just wondering, as I had not heard of that as of yet, but sounds reasonable! I mean she is not mobile much but tough as nails in spirit and will!! i just don't see it as issue but i would definitely have to get physicians ok now any input would be appreciated!
Another thing to watch out for is dehydration, which can also increase the risk of a blood clot. People flying tend not to drink a lot of liquid because of cabin pressure. Plus who wants to climb over the passenger next to you for a restroom run.
A lot also depends on when was the last time the elder had flown? If it has been more than 13 years ago, a lot has changed inside the airport with security and all. I know my Mom wouldn't be able to deal with security looking in her purse, or her overnight case, and heaven forbid if they needed to pat her down if she triggers the metal detector.... Dad proudly said that Mom probably would yell at the Federal Officers.... to which I responded that if Mom did that she wouldn't be flying with us. Then there is the issue of the long walk between the front building out to the terminal, then out to the gate... Mom wouldn't want to ride in a wheelchair, heaven forbid someone she knows might see her :P
Well what I meant is she has never had much any ailment of the elderly but arthritis and dementia (no heart, copd, diabetes, etc) In her dementia she is not agitated at all, EVER and loves getting out n doing thing with me, long as I am with her we are a team! she Is wheelchair bound for last 2 ys so ok with sitting long time and will order airport assistance of course (am travel agent). I do believe she has poor circulation in the legs however! I wonder if the "dodadds" they put on my dad in hospital for circulation could help...hmm...will definitely get ahold of MD Monday!
I've been trying to figure out how to do this, as the last time we flew, a couple of years ago, was bad enough, and since she is in worse condition. I'm thinking we may have to pay for 1st class and request seat right next to bathroom. It's really hard that they won't let people get out of their seat sometimes for hours. My mother just could not handle that last time. I'm thinking tranquilizers might not be a bad idea, but then fear inability to balance/walk. Just a tiny dose perhaps.