
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">I haven’t traveled with my parents as they’ve aged until the last couple of weeks. And it has been a humbling and eye-opening experience. As you get older, you become limited in what you can accomplish. This is particularly true when you have medical conditions, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, mobility issues, etc.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><br>I had to practice patience, share encouragement, and remember this is a time for rest. There’s no need to rush, plan, or even keep to a specific schedule. As a result, I could fully unplug, block out the outside world, and reflect.</p>



<h2 class="has-text-align-left has-secondary-background-color has-background wp-block-heading">The pros and cons of traveling with an older adult:</h2>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><strong>More downtime. </strong>You get to take as many naps as you want, and no one will question your need to nap because they are also napping alongside you.</li>



<li><strong>Opportunity to connect and reconnect.</strong> You get to talk about their experience and learn about their accomplishments and things they’ve regretted. As a result, you get a new perspective of your life and mortality.</li>



<li><strong>Ability to pay their way.</strong> You don’t have to worry about paying for their excursions or events. They can cover their expenses, and they might even pay for yours. That’s always a plus when you are living on a budget!</li>



<li><strong>Desire to explore and please.</strong> You get to observe their limitation. While they might want to explore, participate in certain things, or experience new things, it can be challenging due to health reasons, medical disclaimers/or program suggestions. However, they will try to do what you want even if they cannot.</li>



<li><strong>Ongoing restroom breaks. </strong>This might not be for everyone, but I had to constantly think about restroom stops before leaving loggings.</li>



<li><strong>Childlike mentally. </strong>You can observe their excitement, fear of exploring uncharted territory, and generous giving heart.</li>



<li><strong>Stubbornness and relentlessness. </strong>No one is more stubborn than someone who is elderly and determined to achieve something, even if they cannot do it themselves.</li>
</ul>



<h2 class="has-secondary-background-color has-background wp-block-heading">Reflections</h2>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">It is a blessing to spend time with older family members. There will come a day when they won’t be around to experience new things and make memories. It is a great motivator to do all you can right now while you are young and physically able.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The worst thing in the world is getting older and still feeling vibrant, alive, full of hope, and having the same mentality of a 20- or 30-year-old but in an older decaying body. However, it is also the most incredible experience. So many people don’t get the opportunity to age, to see their grandchildren grow up, and impart their knowledge and wisdom to the next generation.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><br>I thank God for his blessing and grace. As I reflect, I have become determined to use my time as a young person to accomplish the purpose He has placed me on earth to achieve, and to explore, and experience all the wonders He has created. I have faith that He will provide the means and opportunities. </p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">And when I get to my dotting age, I can sit back and observe as my children and grandchild explore and have new experiences.</p>
			<div style="padding-bottom:15px;" class="wordads-tag" data-slot-type="belowpost">
				<div id="atatags-dynamic-belowpost-69ecb2ec51156">
					<script type="text/javascript">
						window.getAdSnippetCallback = function () {
							if ( false === ( window.isWatlV1 ?? false ) ) {
								// Use Aditude scripts.
								window.tudeMappings = window.tudeMappings || [];
								window.tudeMappings.push( {
									divId: 'atatags-dynamic-belowpost-69ecb2ec51156',
									format: 'belowpost',
								} );
							}
						}

						if ( document.readyState === 'loading' ) {
							document.addEventListener( 'DOMContentLoaded', window.getAdSnippetCallback );
						} else {
							window.getAdSnippetCallback();
						}
					</script>
				</div>
			</div>
