Having a senior citizen on the July Trip

[tstidm1]

I am going to Disney World with Mom (just hit 3/4 of a century) from July 11-15 and staying on Site (first smart things from the books). I want to make sure she gets as much out of the trip as I will. What are some tips in making sure the trip goes smoothly for her especially in Summer? I don't want the syndrome Walt talked about as a parent where the kids experience the rides and he sat on the bench. She is mobile and I don't think needs an ECV.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

She probably will need an ECV.

Basically a person has a certain amount of energy available to them daily. If they relax during the day the amount of energy available will increase; when they sleep at night they recharge their system,

However, when in pain energy is used up much faster than in normal conditions. If you become exhausted, with by what you have done or, more importantly, what you have done while in pain your system will not recharge to the original energy level overnight and you are starting the next day with a lower amount of energy available.

You might pick a location at least a half mile from where she lives and ask her would she like to walk there. If she hesitates, then say "and back", and of she is still not sure then add "at least three times in a row".

Once around the World Showcase Lagoon Promenade is more than 1¼ miles; most people tend to average 8 - 12 miles per day at WDW.

 

[tinkergrumpybuns]

WE took my dad at 71 , early June. The heat taking a tole. He was a trouper but I could tell tired. Took him again at 88 ( he had never seen Epcot). We said to him when we go there, do you want a wheel chair?. He was infuriated. REfused. Well, we got to France , stopped bench to bench ( he already had open heart and valve job). Niece and I ran to the gateway at back of park, they gave us a wheel chair no charge.
He was happy to ride the rest of the trip. WE made sure to keep him hydrated and every restroom we passed we asked ( fluid pills).
He had a ball. He was happy to by pass most rides and just enjoy watching the crowd and looking at the buildings etc.

 

[erinscreen]

I agree with pp's, get the ECV! I think it is important to keep her hydrated, so I would pack a G2 (diet Gatorade) or two and keep with you at all times instead of just water. Don't be offended if she needs to skip the rides--that kind of heat mixed with age can really wear someone out and she made need to take lots of rests.

A couple years ago we went to Universal Citywalk with my grandmother who was about 82 at the time. She HATED it because her hips started to hurt. She is a very active woman, but the repetitive motions can cause problems.

Enjoy your trip!