The sun cast its soft morning glow over Ile-Ara as the town’s only interstate bus honked impatiently at Baba and Mama Ajayi’s gate. The elderly couple hurried out, Baba lugging a battered suitcase while Mama balanced a large sack stuffed with raw food items—yams, dried fish, and a bag of garri. They were heading to Lagos to spend the holidays with their eldest son, Kunle, and his family.

“Woman, why did you pack the entire pantry?” Baba complained as he tried to fit the sack into the already crammed luggage space.

Mama huffed, hands on her hips. “You want to go empty-handed? Ah, Kunle’s wife will think I’m useless! And don’t forget, food is expensive in Lagos.”

The driver groaned as he helped squeeze the sack in, muttering something about “unending wahala.” The other passengers shot exasperated glances at the couple as they shuffled to their seats near the middle of the bus.

The journey started smoothly enough, but trouble came less than an hour in.

“Driver!” Mama called, her voice urgent. “Abeg, I need to use the bush.”

The bus came to a halt amid grumbling from the passengers. Mama shuffled off and returned five minutes later, adjusting her wrapper and shaking her head. “Ah, this road is turning my stomach.”

Not long after, Baba raised his hand. “Driver, stop abeg. I need to stretch these old bones.”

The cycle continued—Mama needed water, Baba needed a restroom, and both needed to “adjust small” at every other stop. By midday, the bus had made so many unplanned halts that even the driver’s patience began to wear thin.

“Na today we go Lagos so?” a young man muttered, squeezing into his corner as the driver reluctantly pulled over again.

The tipping point came when Baba decided to adjust the sack of food during one of the stops. As he bent awkwardly to shift it, he let out a loud groan. “Ah, my back! E gba mi!”

Mama rushed over. “Did I not tell you to leave it alone? Eh, Baba Ajayi, you no go hear word!”

The driver sighed and opened the emergency seat at the back, giving Baba room to stretch out. Of course, this displaced two passengers, forcing them to sit on each other’s laps.

By now, the entire bus was in uproar. “Old people no dey travel light!” someone muttered loudly. “Next time, make dem charter full bus!”

“Abi o!” another chimed in. 

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the bus pulled into Lagos. The passengers sighed in relief as Baba and Mama Ajayi slowly gathered their belongings.

“Thank you, my children,” Baba said as he shuffled off, leaning heavily on Mama. 

The passengers watched as the couple waddled toward the exit. One young woman clapped her hands in mock relief. “At least we can breathe now!”

The bus erupted in laughter, the tension lifting as the driver slammed the door shut and revved the engine. Baba and Mama’s journey had been eventful, but they were happy to have arrived, ready to celebrate the holidays with their family.

The holiday season is here, and it’s time to reconnect with loved ones! Whether you’re planning to visit your hometown or welcome family to your home, the excitement of seeing elderly parents or grandparents is unmatched. However, ensuring their journey is comfortable and stress-free requires some preparation. While their experience may differ from that of Baba and Mama Ajayi, here are some helpful tips to ensure your older loved ones stay comfy and happy while travelling.

Air travel, though more convenient than road travel, is still stressful, especially for seniors. Planning and taking specific measures is important to ensure a comfortable flight.

• Prepare Ahead 

The whole flight process can be very tedious for a senior; it could entail a lot of movement. To reduce the strain of navigating the airport, older adults could request wheelchair assistance while booking. And yes, airports in Nigeria have such services. They are accessible on the airport or airline website, and you can also contact customer service for help. 

• Arrive Early

Arriving at the airport at least 2–3 hours before the flight helps seniors avoid the rush and stress of last-minute check-ins. Early arrival allows time to relax and go through security at a steady pace. They could also do easier online check-ins, which give them time to prepare properly before heading to the airport without worrying about long queues. 

• Pack Smart 

Unless the elder is travelling with a caregiver, it is advisable to pack light. They should carry only essentials in a lightweight carry-on bag, including their medications, snacks, a refillable water bottle, and a sweater because airports and planes are kept cold. This will allow them to move their luggage easily and have all the necessities nearby. However, unless the senior is entirely dependent, they should travel with a caregiver, whether a professional or family member. 

• Stay Comfortable During the Flight

The senior should wear loose, comfortable clothing and supportive footwear. They should also regularly move their legs and feet or take short walks in the aisle during the flight. These precautions will help to avoid stiffness or swelling in their joints. Hydrating is also very important, so they should drink as much water as possible.   

• Know Your Health Needs

If they have medical conditions, they should consult their doctor before travelling to get the “OK.” Once they are cleared to fly, the seniors’ medications should be kept in a carry-on and properly labelled to avoid any issues during security checks.

Road trips are common in Nigeria, whether to a different state or to the village. However, road travel can come with unique challenges and is much more difficult than air travel. These tips will help seniors stay safe and comfortable.

• Choose Reliable Transportation

Make sure the transport companies have a good track record with well-maintained public transport vehicles. Consider booking SUVs for seniors, as they are safer and more comfortable than buses. 

If it’s a private trip, ensure the car is in good condition and that the older adults have enough leg room to stretch and enough food and water to keep them comfortable. 

• Avoid Night Travel

Road travel is safer during the day, especially in Nigeria. It’s easier to see the roads during the day and avoid accidents caused by reckless drivers and terrible road conditions. Also, considering the country’s insecurities, travelling during the day is more advisable for seniors.

• Stay Hydrated and Bring Snacks

Ensure your seniors pack water and easy-to-eat snacks like fruits, nuts, or biscuits. This will help energise them for the unpredictability of  Nigerian roads and possible delays. It will also keep them from buying roadside food and snacks that may not be made in a clean environment and put their health at risk. 

• Dress Comfortably

Older adults should wear light, breathable fabrics, ideal for warm climates and carry a shawl or sweater for unexpected weather changes or air-conditioned buses. They should also wear spacious and comfortable footwear to avoid aches and swelling. 

• Plan Rest Stops

Long road trips can be physically demanding, especially for seniors. To stay comfortable and healthy, plan to stop every 2–3 hours for short breaks. These breaks allow you to stretch your legs, walk around, and do light exercises to improve blood circulation and prevent stiffness. Sitting for long periods can lead to swelling in the legs and feet.  If you’re travelling on a public bus, inquire about planned rest stops in advance.

• Keep Emergency Essentials Close 

The seniors should have a small bag with essential items to relieve stress during their trip. Ensure they pack all their medication in their original containers, along with a list of dosages and their doctor’s contact information. Include a basic first aid kit for minor emergencies, like plasters, antiseptic wipes, and pain relievers. Ensure their phone is fully charged before leaving, and they carry a charger and power bank in case they need extra power.

Older adults should also have emergency cash, particularly in small denominations, as some rural areas may not accept digital payments. Share their travel itinerary with a trusted family member or friend so they can stay updated on their journey and assist if needed.

• Be Security Conscious

Safety is critical when travelling, especially on Nigerian roads. Seniors should avoid wearing flashy jewellery or carrying large amounts of cash to avoid drawing unnecessary attention. However, as already mentioned, emergency cash bundled in small denominations should be at arm’s reach in order to pay any stranger who has provided assistance.

Seniors should also keep personal items close to them, and bags should always be zipped up. If they travel in a car, ensure all doors are locked and windows are only slightly rolled down for ventilation unless the air conditioner is turned on. Travelling during daylight hours is also advisable to avoid risks associated with poor visibility or unsafe nighttime conditions.

With proper preparation, travelling as a senior can be enjoyable. Whether flying or driving, taking these safety steps can make all the difference. They aim to reach their destination happy, healthy, and ready to create new memories. 

If any of your elderly loved ones are travelling this season or at any point, share these tips with them and help make their journey as safe and smooth as possible.
Feel free to contact us for more information on elderly care.