What measures and tips should be considered when planning Umrah for seniors? This is a question that strikes every elder’s mind who is preparing for the Umrah journey. Even if you are planning to send your parents and grandparents on this journey, it should be your query. Considering the necessary tips when in need can be really helpful and you can dodge a bullet. In this blog, we have mentioned an elderly Umrah guide. The guide shows the challenges faced by the elderly and the tips they need to overcome those challenges. Read further to find the types of challenges the elderly face in Umrah and what tips should they consider.
Why is Umrah for Seniors Challenging?
Umrah is a sacred journey in every muslim’s life. All they ever dream of is to perform Umrah at least once in their lifetime. It is quite a tough journey as the rituals are extremely challenging and require lots of physical effort. Moreover, when talking about Umrah travel for seniors, the challenges seem more sceptical. Umrah requires lots of physical effort and strength to endure the tough rituals.
People of all age groups find themselves in helpless situations. Simultaneously they feel vulnerable physically and emotionally while performing the journey. Especially when talking about Umrah for seniors, feeling vulnerable and emotionally disheartened is quite common in the elderly. They are not as physically fit as the young blood, so fulfilling these rituals is a point of concern. Thus, Umrah becomes a challenging journey for older people.
Types of Challenges in Umrah for Elderly
An elderly Umrah guide is not all about the tips you need to consider. It is also about the types of challenges in Umrah travel for seniors. A senior pilgrim might face many issues while covering long distances on the journey Umrah for seniors can be really challenging. They go through extreme health issues during this sacred journey. Some of the common types of health challenges in Umrah for seniors are:
Dehydration
Dehydration is one of the most common issues observed in pilgrims. Seniors who are not paying attention to the water intake in their bodies might suffer from dehydration. Standing under the sun or in a hot surrounding for too long increases the chances of dehydration.
Heat stroke
Makkah experiences quite high temperatures and hot weather in the summer. When walking under extreme heat, feeling exhausted is quite common. This leads to heat stroke and fainting when performing Umrah. In a senior’s scenario, they get heat stroke very often as their bodies are not capable enough to endure the harsh weather circumstances. Thus, they feel dizzy and faint during the journey.
Fatigue
Tawaf and Sa’i are the 2 main rituals in Umrah that require too much walking and covering long distances. In Tawaf, the pilgrims circle around the holy Kaaba. Simultaneously, in Sa’i, the pilgrims are required to walk or run between Safa and Marwah. These are tough rituals in Umrah for seniors as they lack stamina. Thus, they end up feeling tired too easily.
Chronic pain
Umrah for seniors can lead to chronic pain and suffering. Covering long distances can directly affect the body. Thus, chronic pain in joints, back, and rest of the body is often observed in seniors. Another instance of chronic pain is a severe headache which is caused because of excess heat.
Medical history
Seniors with medical history suffer a lot in this journey. Staying healthy during the extreme Umrah journey is important for them. It’s a major concern for people with a medical history of heart problems, respiratory issues, diabetes, or more. They must pay attention to their health and take proper medications on time.
Mobility issues
Seniors with mobility issues are very common as old age makes walking tough. They think that their inability will be a barrier in Umrah. Just because they are not able to walk completely or partially doesn’t mean they cannot perform their duties. It is possible to perform Umrah for seniors with mobility issues.
Arrangements and Umrah Assistance for Elderly Pilgrims
When talking about Umrah for elderly, we strongly recommend taking assistance whenever required. If you feel stuck and need someone to help them with their journey, do not hesitate to just ask for it. As a matter of fact, when preparing for Umrah, consider booking a package specially designed for the elderly. The package should include accommodation and transportation arrangements inside and out of the holy pilgrimage. Apart from that, an ideal Umrah for seniors package should consist of the following:
- Group tour - Many package deals in Umrah travel for seniors provide the benefit of group tour options. This can be useful for senior pilgrims who are travelling without their families.
- Accommodation near the holy places - Please ensure your selected package has accommodation nearby almost all the shrines. This will reduce the transportation time and cost. Also, the pilgrims will not feel tired while travelling This will reduce the transportation time and cost. Also, the pilgrims will not feel tired while travelling..
- Medical assistance - In case of an emergency, medical facilities should be prompt and readily available. Wheelchairs and walking sticks are available for rent.
- Wheelchair accessibility - For people with mobility issues, wheelchairs and other accessibility for pilgrims should be included in the Umrah for senior package. There are separate paths and ramps for wheelchair users, making the journey easier.
- Umrah assistance for elderly pilgrims - Elderly pilgrims can require help at any moment of the journey. Providing them with the assistance of caregivers and medical staff can make their journey convenient. With proper care, they can fulfil their duties in the sacred journey.
Tips to Consider in Umrah for Seniors
Considering some key tips in Umrah for seniors is very important. These tips can help seniors with a smooth and uninterrupted journey to the holy pilgrimage. An elderly Umrah guide is incomplete without mentioning some major pointers. Here are some tips for Umrah for elderly that should be kept in mind when performing this sacred journey.
- Avoid performing the journey if your health doesn’t allow you. Consult with your doctor before committing to the journey. Plan only if the report says that you are healthy and good to go.
- Carry medical prescriptions, vaccination certificates, and other necessary documents when entering the holy city of Makkah.
- If you are on any kind of medication, take them with you along with the prescription. Consume the medicines regularly to avoid unforeseen uncertainties.
- While performing Umrah, drink plenty of water and stay hydrated. Avoid consuming caffeine as it can be hazardous to your health.
- Take proper breaks during your journey whenever needed. Remember, this is not a race and you should not be in any rush. Take time to complete Umrah at your own pace.
- Avoid performing rituals like Tawaf, Sa’i, and more in peak hours. The crowd is too much during this time and can make your journey uncomfortable.
- If possible, travel with a companion as they can be your emotional support who will understand your pain far better than a stranger.
- Wheelchairs are accessible as Umrah assistance for elderly pilgrims. Do not hesitate to ask for one from your caregivers as it gives you mobility support inside the pilgrimage premises.
