Gastrointestinal and other vulnerabilities for geriatric globetrotters.
An awareness of the journey's destination and the consequential events along the way will better enhance our diagnoses and in turn sustain our elder "homo turisticus," no longer an endangered species but worthy of our continued compassionate care while enjoying their longevity. All potential treacheries must be assessed by each elderly traveler. It may be the first of many trips or the last opportunity to view and relate to the sequoia's longevity, hike the Scottish highlands, view the game of the Serengeti, explore the Nordic fjords, indulge in the Patagonian scenes of the Iguazú falls, seek the habitats of the Galápagos tortoise, partake of the photograph opportunities of Papua-New Guinea, or finalize that "last" business contract in the Orient. With consideration of these many vulnerabilities and potential hazards, why then undertake the journey? Perhaps our geriatric globetrotters give credence to the age-old saying (of unknown origin) "Running water never freezes."
Gordon
M E
ME
Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut.
D000368:Aged; D001424:Bacterial Infections / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000635:transmission; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005767:Gastrointestinal Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D006801:Humans; D007411:Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic / Q000175:diagnosis; D014195:Travel