Senior Travels

Retired, working, or just gazing out a window, it would be the rare person who doesn’t think about packing up for an adventure. Some of us can just toss a few items in a duffel bag and leave. But some have a few more challenges to solve before venturing out. And as we age, some of us have short-term issues following knee or hip surgery. As an individual with mobility issues, allow me to reflect on recent travel. First, of course, as a retired attorney, I have general knowledge of the Americans with Disabilities Act. But experience would illustrate the point that law and reality are not the same.

The first step is the travel itself. Are you taking public transportation? Amtrak, for instance, is wonderful. The passenger selects the ‘passenger with a disability’ option and answers a series of questions about needs and what mobility devices, if any, will be on the train. It is important to do this when bringing an aid as Amtrak needs to account for the space for wheelchairs or walkers. Once at the station, it has been my experience that station personnel will either provide a platform or otherwise assist the passenger. Airlines are so accustomed to travelers with limited abilities that they also allow the passengers to check a wheelchair (tho be careful to check it for damage). So, although there are some exceptions due to staffing shortages or other issues, my experience has been that the reality of public transportation is increasingly in line with the law.

Hotel accommodations are the next step. Accessible bathrooms are limited in number. Of course, for some of us if there were grab bars in every bathtub or shower we could manage. And really—as those of us who are seniors sometime have balance issues, one would think the addition of grab bars in most bathroom showers and tubs would be useful. And there is no need for the rooms with accessible bathrooms to sometimes cost more. Arriving at your hotel is sometimes fraught with challenges as main doors are often rotating ones with a door next to them. Some of the doors have buttons to get the door to swing open. When they work. Or are there. And the doors are quite heavy if trying to open them and maneuver your wheelchair or walker and a bag through them. It is also disappointing to check in and be told your request for an accessible bathroom could not be honored. Some fun is when you check in to discover either the elevator is down or is going to be down for ‘maintenance’ during some of your stay. “Is that going to be a problem?” So, either get out for your day before 9 a.m. or stay in your room until 1 p.m. Neither may have been your original plan, so remember to be flexible. And nice. The hotel may give you a complimentary bottle of wine (though don’t drink it at 9 a.m.).

So, once you get checked in, the next fun part of travel is going to a bar or restaurant. Why are there no low-top tables in many bars? The challenge of getting on a tall bar stool is not always doable. One feels so much a part of the group sitting lower than the rest and being unable to hear or reach the drinks or snacks. And some happy hour specials are only available in the bar, leading to the pointed request of: “Can I just be seated in the dining room but order happy hour items?” Some places will agree—others not. Plus, if you are meeting others—do you go off alone to another area? Even for cheaper oysters? And try fitting your wheelchair between tables in the packed restaurant to be seated. Some establishments are wonderful and immediately start trying to accommodate your needs (sometimes by making a spectacle of you in clearing the way, but they mean well). And for ingress and egress issues—see the hotel door discussion. Restaurants have the same rotating door and difficulty accessing issues.

Social outings also require advance planning for the newly challenged to consider. You may have to call the theater rather than being able to buy tickets on-line. Generally, live-theatre venues have seating areas for those with mobility aids. And of course, for entering. The ADA requires ramps be one inch of elevation for every 12 inches in length, sometime leading to a long-winding road. Or those with a portable ‘ramp’ clearly not in compliance and terrifying to consider should not say they are accessible. How badly did you want to hear that jazz music? Regular shopping can also be a problem. Aisles in stores are supposed to allow 36 inches wide in their aisles for a wheelchair to access. Piling extra ‘sale’ displays that block the aisles or leave the shopper to determine a maze around the store is just frustrating for the shopper. And may lead them to be surly. But please persevere. And ask for a manager if it is totally hopeless to shop in the store to discuss their understanding of complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act. After all, education is a good thing. 

Is it worth planning ahead for trips? Yes, of course. Calling and planning will eliminate last-minute challenges. And seeing that minor-league baseball game, enjoying Steve Martin and Martin Short interact, or just enjoying the happy hour oysters are experiences one should have. And there can be a certain satisfaction that as senior citizens we can still organize our own trips and do what we want to do. So make your reservations, call ahead, and get traveling. Don’t let short-term or perhaps permanent restrictions on your ability to leap tall buildings lead you to stop—I am here to tell you that wonderful experiences are still to be had.