Wierd question...

[stjchica]

Let me say in advance, I don't mean to sound ignorant...but I have a concern and I need some input...
My mom got engaged yesterday to a sweet sweet man. I had been sort of planning a family trip to the islands for next summer. She is 70 and very active. She learned to snorkel in Grand Cayman a few years ago. Yay Mom!!
He is 82 or so. He is active too, still works driving a bus, etc...but he is 80 something.
Would you be concerned about bringing an elderly person with you to the islands? Thinking of health issues that could arise, etc. Although, from what I know, he is in good health, etc..and I realize health issues can come up for any of us.
I don't want to limit him because of his age, but it does concern me just a bit.
I would talk to him in advance about activities he would like to do/not do, and we could definitely plan around that, etc.....Thoughts?

[psufan]

I brought my mother with us a few years ago. She was 76 at the time but also very active. She had never been to anywhere "exotic" in her life so this was a big adventure for her. We stuck to the easily accessible north shore beaches and made sure we found very shady spots. She really loved the trip and had no troubles at all. However, she is now in her early 80s and I would have some concerns about bringing her along again. She is still fairly active but she has had some minor health issues recently, not bad but probably enough to make me wonder if it was a good idea. I think she would agree with me. So, I think it is worth it to have an open conversation about any health issues that could be a concern. I hope it works out though because I still can see the look of wonder on my Mom's face when she saw the water for the first time. In fact, the entire trip with her was a treasure.

[stjchica]

Thanks psufan...
I would feel fine bringing my mom...just wasn't sure about her fiance.
Will have some open conversation with them and then decide from there..Thanks for your input~

[dreamshark]

Trip insurance might be a good idea, even if you don't usually buy it. I think most trip insurance covers "walk-in" clinic visits as well as emergency evacuations. With older people there is also more chance of a pre-trip health issue that might force you to cancel or change plans.

Other than that, I don't see why a healthy 82-year-old couldn't have a great trip. Pay attention to stairs when you are choosing a place to stay. You should see if you can find lodging that is all (or mostly) on one level. Be aware that at some villas you have to walk down or up stairs to get from parking to the villa itself. I'm guessing that your mom's fiancee can navigate stairs just fine if he has to, but every flight will use up energy that could be better served elsewhere. We start to notice this sort of thing a lot more as we age (speaking from experience here).

I'd also avoid trips to beaches like Salt Pond, that require a steep hike to/from the beach.

[stjchica]

Thanks Dreamshark..Good points!

[Lindy]

stjchica - Have a private conversation with your mother to verify that he partner has no precluding medical conditions first, but it sounds to me like it would be a perfect match! If I were your mother I would JUMP at the opportunity to visit a place that has captured your heart. Actually, come to think of it, MY own daughter was the one who got me to go to STJ for the first time.....my motives were more along the lines of "bribing" her to spend some time with me, but we BOTH found a place that we absolutely fell in love with. My daughter has moved on to more exotic locations (she's a fearless daredevil) but I've found a spot that is paradise on earth for ME!!!

[Monkeynoclimb]

Take them. Make sure they have their medications, find the pharmacy/phone number on the second level at the Marketplace in Cruz Bay and where the Emergency Care Health Center is at Route 10 (Centerline Rd.) and Route 104 (Gift Hill Rd.). Find a villa with one level and no steps. There are so many good villas to chose from on St. John. You might also find one that is shaded with a porch. Some can be VERY HOT in the afternoon.

[stjchica]

Thanks y'all~

[Capn Dan and Ruby]

Absolutely take them. Last year I took my 82 year old mom who is not in great health. I did make sure and get trip insurance. She had the time of her life! She kept on saying that "this is the best place in the world" and many other comments like that! During this year we almost lost her to a brain injury after a fall. What she said afterwards was that she was so glad she got to go to St. John before her life changing injury. We think if she ever regains all of her strengths we will take her agian! What a gift to give your mom!