Tips for Scenic Drives with Seniors

By Audrey Lee

Planning a trip with elderly family members can remind us all to slow down and enjoy what is around us. Scenic drives can be some of the best mini-trips you can take to bond with your parents. Here are some tips for a scenic drive senior citizens will love.

Creative Bathroom Breaks

As we age, our bladders weaken, thus causing us to frequently pull over to use the restroom. This can be an exciting way to explore the areas around you. Before heading out, survey the towns you will drive through and plan to take a rest at an interesting location. This could be an antique shop, ice cream parlor, museum or cute boutique. Stopping at these locations makes going to the restroom fun and may be less embarrassing for seniors to ask you to stop every so often.

Go With the Flow

When enjoying a ride with an older person, do not schedule too many things for the day. Each person is different, but planning too many must-do activities may be overwhelming to some. Instead, take one stop at a time and go slow. Take your time looking through antiques or the roadside farmers market you stumbled upon. Try not to set too many expectations for the day’s itinerary. Go with the flow and see where you wind up. If your elderly family member or friend begins to feel sick, be ok heading home and ending the trip early.

 Iceland. Photo: Glowonconcept | Dreamstime.com

Enjoy People Watching

Sitting on a bench enjoying a bright pink strawberry ice cream cone while watching other visitors can be super relaxing for senior citizens. People have some strange behaviors that can be pretty amusing. Sit back, relax and enjoy some free entertainment.

Left, Right, Straight

While driving and taking in the scenery around you, play a game. This game allows passengers to take control of the direction you will be heading. Let the passenger choose to turn left, right or straight when you arrive at a traffic light. This will keep your elderly travel buddy involved in the driving so they do not start to doze off in the car. This little game may bring you to a new little town or fun attraction you have never heard of before.

Bring Snacks and Water

Blood sugar levels and dehydration are a concern for many seniors. They may begin to feel sick if they have not eaten in a while or have not had enough to drink. Bring along some protein-rich snacks that will boost sugar levels like peanut butter crackers, raisins and oranges. Water is also important. If your travel partner is worried about using the restroom, reassure them you already planned fun places to stop for a bathroom break and fun little side trip.