The Baby Boomers are aging. Soon, a significant portion of the world population will be in their 70s, 80s and 90s. Will a decrease in mobility compromise their thirst for travel and adventure? Will wheelchair access and space for portable electric scooters be a major issue in world travel?
While people with mobility challenges are unlikely to be scaling Mt. Kilimanjaro with their walking canes, travel experts assure us that air, bus, train and automobile travel continue to be valid pursuits for travelers with mobility aids.
A number of ailments can limit your mobility as you age: chronic arthritis, respiratory problems, heart disease . . . the list goes on. In the U.S., thanks to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), people of all ages who use wheelchairs and electric scooters can count on curb cuts, wide doorways, restroom facilities and hotel room fixtures that accommodate their needs.
Overseas, however, ADA-type accommodations are rare or non-existent, depending on the country and its resources. (You can usually expect decent access in North America, Australia and New Zealand, and Western Europe.)
That doesn''t mean that people with mobility challenges can''t travel, though. All it takes is a little planning and some improvisation. Here are a few tips for you if you travel with a wheelchair or electric scooter:
Even if you don''t need any type of mobility aid, you never know when an accident or fall can impair your ability to walk while traveling. The good news is that walking canes and crutches aren''t that hard to come by overseas. In a pinch, even a stout branch can substitute as a walking cane until you find a suitable replacement.
Be sure the length of the walking cane is appropriate for your height, and have the pharmacist or vendor teach you a bit about how to walk with a cane. If you can find a walker, a model with wheels might be a better choice for you. Some even have built-in seating, but they can be expensive.
Crutches should be adjustable and have well-padded tops so you don''t injure the area under your arms. Your weight will be on your shoulders and hands, so they shouldn''t be too long or too short as your back and hips will take a beating.
Know your limits. Moving around with walking aids can cause fatigue very quickly. Schedule approximately half of what you would if you were able to walk normally. Thinking of visiting a couple of museums? Limit yourself to one a day, and spend more time in sidewalk cafés observing locals and making new friends.
Finding out what accommodations are available ahead of time can help minimize delays and other travel headaches. Ask your travel agent or tour operator to inquire about seating on buses and trains. In all likelihood, you''ll be better off making advance reservations to be sure that you and your wheelchair or walker can arrive at your destination together.
If you plan to attend large gatherings such as soccer games or Olympic events, assume that people will be standing and walking around. Ask whether special seating is available for people with mobility challenges. Also, find out whether your travel mates can sit close by in case you need help moving around, finding a restroom or obtaining food.
Look into cruises for people with disabilities. Many cruise ships offer access for people with mobility challenges, including elevators, wider doorways for wheelchairs or electric scooters, and transport for shore excursions that accommodate passengers with walking aids. If you wish to travel independently, a cruise is a great start.