Q: I am 94 years old (male) and maintain a fairly good health except for pain in my legs and a little hearing disability. I have not travelled out of India. My children want to take me to Singapore for a short holiday. Can I go for this trip at this age?

A:There are no reasons why older people in good health should be denied the opportunity to travel. However, they are at greater risk of adverse reactions to exhaustion, confusion, falls and dehydration. Special care is needed to minimize stress and to maximize rest. Care with clothing, diet, and maintenance of an established personal daily routine should be assured. Simple precautions such as asking for an airplane seat near to the lavatory, and avoidance of prolonged immobility (this increases the risk of developing deep venous thrombosis in the legs) can minimize the risks. A healthy centenarian is less at risk when travelling than an unhealthy adult of half that age.