Presentations
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Gerontological Society of America Annual Scientific Meeting - November 2025
Title: Preparing for Takeoff: Addressing In-Flight challenges faced by persons living with dementia and travel companions Authors: Colleen M. Peterson, PhD; Renee St. Louis, PhD; Maria O'Reilly, BOccThy, MOccThy; PhD Tamara L. Statz, MA, LMFT, FT |
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Abstract:
Addressing the challenges faced by travelers with dementia and their companions requires developing accessible services based on inclusive principles, dementia awareness, and a willingness to listen to the voices of those living with dementia. Although increasing awareness of the needs of travelers with dementia has seen positive changes within airports globally (e.g., the sunflower lanyard), the needs and experiences of travelers with dementia in-flight are less well understood. This poster combines findings from two similar studies conducted in the USA and Australia exploring in-flight issues from the perspective of travelers with dementia (n=55) and their companions (n=217). We share the consistent themes on in-flight challenges that were found in both studies, with additional insight from flight crew in the Australian study (n=21). In-flight challenges included anxiety, confusion, toilet access and use, awareness of available assistance, negative flight crew interactions, and seating arrangements. We share participants' own strategies for preventing or mitigating the issues they have faced and make additional recommendations for air travel guidelines to support safe travel.
PDF of Poster
Addressing the challenges faced by travelers with dementia and their companions requires developing accessible services based on inclusive principles, dementia awareness, and a willingness to listen to the voices of those living with dementia. Although increasing awareness of the needs of travelers with dementia has seen positive changes within airports globally (e.g., the sunflower lanyard), the needs and experiences of travelers with dementia in-flight are less well understood. This poster combines findings from two similar studies conducted in the USA and Australia exploring in-flight issues from the perspective of travelers with dementia (n=55) and their companions (n=217). We share the consistent themes on in-flight challenges that were found in both studies, with additional insight from flight crew in the Australian study (n=21). In-flight challenges included anxiety, confusion, toilet access and use, awareness of available assistance, negative flight crew interactions, and seating arrangements. We share participants' own strategies for preventing or mitigating the issues they have faced and make additional recommendations for air travel guidelines to support safe travel.
PDF of Poster
University of Minnesota - June 2024
Caring For a Person with Memory Loss Conference -
Title:
Dementia-Friendly Air Travel - What You Need to Know
Presenter:
Sara Barsel, PhD
Caring For a Person with Memory Loss Conference -
Title:
Dementia-Friendly Air Travel - What You Need to Know
Presenter:
Sara Barsel, PhD
HealthPartners Center for Memory and Aging - April 2024
Title:
Preparing for travel primarily by air for people living with dementia and their care partners
Presenter:
Sara Barsel, PhD
Title:
Preparing for travel primarily by air for people living with dementia and their care partners
Presenter:
Sara Barsel, PhD
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Gerontological Society of America Annual Scientific Meeting - November 2020
Title: Air Travel Concerns and Complaints of Persons Living with Dementia and Their Travel Companions Authors: Colleen M. Peterson, PhD; Tamara L. Statz, MA, LMFT, FT; Sara Barsel, PhD; Robyn Birkeland, PhD; Joseph Gaugler, PhD; & Jessica Finlay, PhD. |
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Abstract:
Air travel is increasingly accessible and rising numbers of older adults choose to fly. The prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD) is also expected to increase due to advances in longevity and the aging Baby Boomer population. An ADRD diagnosis does not necessarily end the desire to travel for leisure, and air travel may be necessary for family and/or care reasons. Taken together, more persons living with ADRD are expected to use air travel. This is concerning since adverse outcomes, including confusion and delirium, can be exacerbated by unfamiliar environments, such as airports and in-flight situations. Yet there is little research on air travel with this population. The current study seeks to 1) understand air travel experiences, issues, and needs of persons living with ADRD and their travel companions; and 2) identify facilitators and barriers to safe and comfortable air travel for persons living with ADRD. Persons living with ADRD (n=49) and ADRD travel companions (n=176) provided information on their air travel experiences through a nationally distributed web-survey. They traveled for family visits (80.0%) and leisure (38.0%). Both persons living with ADRD and travel companions indicated anxiety (50% and 60.7%, respectively), difficulty understanding announcements and signage (39.1%, 55.2%) and getting lost or separated (37.5%, 53.2%) as primary travel concerns. Qualitative comments identified themes of frustration with locating family restrooms and quiet spaces. Results from this study will inform ongoing efforts to develop dementia-friendly airports and improve older adult travel experiences, independence, and quality of life.
PDF of Poster
Voiceover walkthrough of Poster
Air travel is increasingly accessible and rising numbers of older adults choose to fly. The prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD) is also expected to increase due to advances in longevity and the aging Baby Boomer population. An ADRD diagnosis does not necessarily end the desire to travel for leisure, and air travel may be necessary for family and/or care reasons. Taken together, more persons living with ADRD are expected to use air travel. This is concerning since adverse outcomes, including confusion and delirium, can be exacerbated by unfamiliar environments, such as airports and in-flight situations. Yet there is little research on air travel with this population. The current study seeks to 1) understand air travel experiences, issues, and needs of persons living with ADRD and their travel companions; and 2) identify facilitators and barriers to safe and comfortable air travel for persons living with ADRD. Persons living with ADRD (n=49) and ADRD travel companions (n=176) provided information on their air travel experiences through a nationally distributed web-survey. They traveled for family visits (80.0%) and leisure (38.0%). Both persons living with ADRD and travel companions indicated anxiety (50% and 60.7%, respectively), difficulty understanding announcements and signage (39.1%, 55.2%) and getting lost or separated (37.5%, 53.2%) as primary travel concerns. Qualitative comments identified themes of frustration with locating family restrooms and quiet spaces. Results from this study will inform ongoing efforts to develop dementia-friendly airports and improve older adult travel experiences, independence, and quality of life.
PDF of Poster
Voiceover walkthrough of Poster