by While many people the age of the monarch might have preferred to take it easy after cancer treatment, the King instead plans to fly to Australia this autumn, and said that he is “always hopeful that it will go ahead”. Even the most direct flight from the UK to Down Under requires 16 and a half hours in the air.
The most common complaint among older travelers is the excessive cost of holiday insurance as premiums usually increase once you turn 65. This is because the risks associated with flying, and traveling in general, become higher as we age. While the King obviously doesn’t need to worry about the financial penalties involved, his medical staff will certainly take into account the increased health risks associated with air travel.
That age should not interfere with the spirit of adventure. As an 82-year-old travel writer and author of Taking the risk, Hilary Bradt says: “It’s ridiculous that anyone aged 65 would be considered ‘old’ when it comes to flying. I recently spent two nights in a row on a plane in the company of some people older than me.”
Whether your approach is gung-ho or more cautious, here are things to think about before you book your flight.
What are the specific health concerns of flying as you get older?
“Just like other activities, flying long distances becomes harder on your body as you get older,” says Dr Dev Patel, a GP in Portsmouth and a former Royal Navy medic with experience in aviation medicine .
“Older travelers are more susceptible to the risks of flying because of their reduced mobility and are more susceptible to dehydration,” he explains. “Anyone who takes a plane, especially on long-haul flights, runs the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). It is a small risk, but this increases with age.
“Also, pre-existing health conditions such as heart disease and respiratory problems can be exacerbated by air travel, especially over a sustained number of hours. I don’t know King’s medical background personally, but I think it’s great that he’s not letting his cancer diagnosis hold him back. And he will certainly be guided by his medical team, so if he takes care there is no reason why he shouldn’t fly.”
Being as conscious as the King, it is unlikely that he will be flying in economy class.
“He’ll probably feel more confident having more room to move around, which is important,” says Dr Patel. “But like any mature leaf, there are steps it should take to stay as safe as possible.”
How to avoid DVT
Older adults have a higher than average risk of DVT, which occurs when a blood clot forms in your deep veins and blocks blood flow, usually in your legs. Travel-related DVT can occur as a result of prolonged immobility from being confined to a confined seat with limited leg room.
For healthy people, the overall risk of getting a DVT on a flight of less than four hours is one in 106,667 flights. But for flights lasting more than 16 hours, this increases to one in 1,264 flights. This risk would be even higher at age 75.
“It’s important to try to get as much movement as you can on board,” says Dr. Patel. “Try to stand up and walk down the aisle every two or three times with the seat belt signs off. If you can get near the toilet, there is usually more room to try some gentle stretching exercises. And ideally book a seat with extra leg room.
“Even sitting in your chair you can stretch your calves and rotate your legs as often as you remember. There is strong evidence to support the use of compression stockings as a preventative measure as these work by improving blood circulation in the legs, reducing the risk of blood clots.”
For older travelers, or those with a history of DVT, talk to your healthcare professional about the possibility of taking contraceptive medications.
Some people believe that taking aspirin before a long flight helps prevent DVT, but its effectiveness is debated, says Dr. Patel. “While some studies suggest that aspirin may offer some protection, particularly for those at higher risk, other research has not found any significant benefits, or has highlighted potential risks associated with aspirin use, such as gastrointestinal bleeding.” It is essential to consult your doctor before starting any new medication regimen, including aspirin, during air travel.
The need to stay hydrated
“This is actually one of the most important parts of flying advice at any age, because the cabin air is very drying,” says Dr Patel. “I would advise staying away from caffeinated drinks like tea and coffee and definitely alcohol (yes, even if it’s free) as these will only dehydrate you more. The gold standard advice is to drink only water. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty, just keep drinking. If it means more trips to the tiny house you’ll also be moving more.”
Be aware of any medication you take
“If you take medication such as pills for high blood pressure or any other pre-existing conditions, and if you are crossing time zones, discuss with your doctor whether you should take your medication at your usual time at home or change to the local time zone. ,” says Dr. Patel.
The cheap pill boxes sold in chemists, divided and labeled in the days of the week, can be useful for keeping track of meds. Half the fun of traveling is definitely trying new foods, but it’s wise to check that anything you’re likely to eat won’t interact with your medications or health conditions.
High altitude when you have a heart or lung condition
The changes in cabin air pressure, reduced oxygen levels and limited access to medical care can make traveling with pre-existing lung conditions more risky.
People with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease may have difficulty breathing at high altitudes. Although the dry and recirculated cabin air can make respiratory symptoms worse. Air travel can trigger asthma and exposure to allergens or irritants in the aircraft can make asthma symptoms worse.
“It is essential for anyone with a lung condition to consult with their health care provider before flying and receive personalized recommendations,” says Dr. Patel. “In some cases, supplemental oxygen or adjustments to medication regimens can make flying more comfortable.
Flying with existing conditions (including cancer and dementia)
“Cancer is a process but not one disease, so when it comes to flying there is no one rule,” says Dr Patel. “Exercise for flying would depend very much on the person, although the risk of DVT is higher if someone has cancer, so it is important to consider preventive measures.”
Air travel is generally not recommended for the month following any operation. For people suffering from dementia, says Dr Patel, it would be especially prudent to travel with someone they are close to. “Unfamiliar environments can be extremely distressing. Airlines may also have a policy in place for this so it’s worth checking with them before booking.”
“Even in the case of mild dementia, it would be wise to inform the crew on board so they are aware and get a letter from your doctor to support this.”
What are the benefits of flying when you are older?
Travel broadens the mind and enriches your life no matter what your age. Telegraph hotel expert Fiona Duncan, 70, says: “One good thing about getting older is that I’m not a neurophile anymore,” she says. “I’m much more relaxed. I know I had a good life.”
Duncan’s most recent long-haul flight was to India last October. She says her fragile sleep pattern was disrupted for days after her arrival, and weeks after returning home. But “light sleeping pills helped me break the cycle of waking at odd hours”.
“In all the years I’ve flown long-haul, I’ve never stopped marveling at the miracle of being in Heathrow Airport one minute and then somewhere incredible and fun a few hours later,” a says Duncan. “It was the greatest privilege of my life.”
Hilary Bradt, an experienced traveler – who walked in Germany last year – says: “I wish we weren’t so hung up on safety rather than enjoying these days. My only advice – to King and anyone else in their 70s, 80s and beyond – is to do it.”
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