Air travel in older people - Abstract

Age and Ageing, Jan, 2002 by James A. Low, Daniel K.Y. Chan

Commercial air travel is one of the safest means of transport. However, the environment within the aircraft cabin may have deleterious physiological effects on passengers, especially those with underlying medical problems and those who are old. With growing affluence, cheaper airfares and an ageing population, there will be more older people travelling by air over extended periods and longer distances, with a concomitant rise in the number of medical illnesses in the air.

Older people may encounter various problems during a long journey. Certain actions may help to minimize these problems.