Special attention should be paid to possible interactions between drugs for malaria chemoprophylaxis and other drugs the patient is taking. Immunizations recommended for the elderly include all those given to younger patients, and also influenza and pneumococcal vaccine. They should carry oral electrolyte and glucose packets that can be reconstituted as necessary. Antimotility agents for traveler's diarrhea can make patients more comfortable, can serve to reduce excessive fluid loss, and by decreasing the number of bowel movements can sometimes save patients the inconvenience of finding a suitable toilet in a remote area. Providing antibiotic prophylaxis for elderly travelers is reasonable for short-term travelers with underlying medical problems, such as diabetes mellitus or renal insufficiency, who may not be able to tolerate even short periods of acute diarrhea.
Constipation is common in elderly travelers.
A stool softener plus an oral laxative might be helpful.