Paris For Those Over 70

Too long, and since it's basically click bait, I didn't have the patience to finish. While I dont think it is AI generated, it is so full of all the usual run of the mill recommendations that it could be. The only thing I saw that was specific to senior travellers was the encouragement to use senior discounts where available. Thats some genius level of insight there. Otherwise her words of wisdom were applicable to any visitor of any age, with an occasional nod to those with some degree of mobility impairment (which could happen at any age).

And hilariously there are almost no senior discounts in Paris. A couple of photo galleries have them -- big whoop, save a Euro or two but most museums, public transport etc don't offer senior discounts to tourists.

Thank you for your responses.

I found it to be interesting and informative and well written.

Some of this information has already been given to me by forum. Perhaps someone else might benefit from this article.

I have searched for senior discounts for Americans visiting Paris and have not found any. There are senior discounts in Paris but Americans do not qualify,

Well, maybe I'm missing something, CJean, but I'm not sure how it can be called clickbait when there's nothing to click on. There are no links in there or URLs other than the one for the article. It seems pretty innocuous to me. It has some basic tips but there are no affiliate links that I can see. In other words, the author posted advice to seniors who want to visit Paris. I do agree with Janet that the information about senior discounts is inaccurate but other than that, the advice seemed to be accurate and relevant.

There was advice about taking it slow, there were sample itineraries that seemed to follow that same bit of guidance, and tips about managing the metro and other places where there were stairs to climb. Although the tips are pretty basic and it is simply written, for someone who has never traveled to Paris like BostonPhil, I can see where it would provide value. And because it is simple and basic, it's easier for some older people to follow and read rather than getting a barrage of advice that many blogs dish out.

it is so full of all the usual run of the mill recommendations that it could be.

First timers need 'run of the mill' recommendations. I thought this article was a good, basic summary of recommendations and ideas. If you know, you know, but if you don't this article gives some good insight for an older, less mobile, first time visiter.

I think some younger people could slow down as well on their visits. If it's a lovely day, I have a hard time going inside when in Paris. Paris is a city for watching and wandering. And its parks are lovely. I've always thought Paris would be my city for traveling when I'm older...park to cafe, cafe to park, all around the city or my hotel. LOL. I don't consider myself in my travel dotage and had 22K step days while there. When I was there in April, the weather was amazingly beautiful. I spent afternoons in the parks and wandering Paris streets. But when I'm old, I'll wave at you from my local cafe, and if it had been my first time, I would appreciate this article!

Hello Mardee

You and other members on forum have been a big help to me as I plan my vey first trip to Paris. (But you and forum have also been a big help to me as I learn how to travel even before this latest).

I would never have known that there are so many stairs in the subways and often no escalators or elevators until forum told me. That is how I found out and at first it thought, "no, you can't be right" until more than one person told me. (and I did do additional research). Forum is how I got the bad news that I would be unable to use the train or subway system and knew that I needed an alternative method of getting around Paris. . And forum gave me information about the bus system.

Better to know before you go than while you are there.

And the article may seem overly simplistic to those who have been to Paris more than one time but for the first timer especially the first timer over 70, I find it helpful and informative.

Besides the incorrect information about senior discounts for everyone, the article neglects to talk about toilets. This is an important fact of life but especially for those over 70.

Do you recall that recently someone on forum posted abut the difference in traveling when young and when old and how their travel has changed as they have aged. That was a good discussion.

Hi Wray

yes, I thought that it was a good article for the first time older traveler to Paris.

If you have been, then the information may seem to be run of the mill but often travelers forget what it was like the first time when they were young. it is different for the first time over 70.

Many years back, a public figure said "You don't now what you don't know". Never forgot that.

Articles like this always interest me, primarily to see how rapidly I, at 72, am approaching "senior" status.

So far so good; still have a way to go.

jphbucks

Glad you are aging so kindly. But as your aging continues, you may need to change how you travel. Always keep in mind that it is ok to travel differently to accommodate your aging. And it is still good, sometimes better. Sometimes slowing down and looking around makes you realize how much you missed when you were more active.

I am really appreciating my later years. I am still having fun and enjoying life. Only wish that i could have traveled more when younger.

My husband and I…early 70’s are taking our adult children and 5 grandchildren (ages 9-15) to Paris and elsewhere this summer. Thankfully we are still able to keep up with them…most of the time…(as of today) Its why we are not waiting. I work hard at finding affordable ways to do this travel. Its possible. Ages 60’s and 70’s have such a wide range of health concerns and issues. My philosophy…do it while you still can. The article posted was helpful…I enjoyed it. Have been to Paris twice before too!

I would say as the aging process takes place, either affecting you physically or psychologically ( one affects the other presumably), I experienced a bout of that during last summer's trip, dealing with the unpleasant thought that maybe I could no longer do for the most part lengthy solo trips, ie longer than 7 weeks as a mid-70 year old , barring no family member meets up with me or accompanies me, as was the case in past decades. .

Such nerve wracking doubts, (yes, the psychological impact ) on continuing as a solo traveler evaporated on this summer's trip, I am glad to say. With a few modifications I still do the same travel style on lengthy trips, as always, ie, walking, taking public transport, no ride share, (if need be, the rare taxi ride) .

With age one thing is for certain regarding one's travel style, learning how to pace yourself is essential as having energy to waste is not present anymore . Tailor your travel routes, ie train schedules, unforeseen contingences and the like.

all2alb

Agreed. Do it while you can do it.

I travel only once a year and thus far have chosen to do an international trip. I am saving domestic for when I am unable to do any more international due to aging or budget. Hoping that when I can no longer do a longer international trip, I might still be able to do a shorter domestic trip.

Fred

Traveling is very challenging and aging is also very challenging.

Traveling as an older or old adult presents a lot of challenges but it is also rewarding.

I think that it is good for the brain. We are encouraged to play brain games as we age. That can include researching and making reservations. Planning a trip might be good for the brain. You have to deal with maps. You have to learn about where you are going and schedules, what to do, what to see, etc. You have to learn about currency exchange. You learn some words of a different language. You have to or want to learn about a new culture and history. I think that it is good for the brain.

And physically, we seniors are encouraged to walk and move. Use it or lose it. That's what they say. Sure we can walk at home but we know that we might be doing a lot more walking when we go on vacation. It's easy to be lazy at home but chances are, we are not going to sit in our hotel rooms. When we travel, we are (hopefully) going to explore the place that we are visiting.

So maybe travel is good for the mind, body and soul.

Glad you are aging so kindly. But as your aging continues, you may need to change how you travel.

bostonphil7, you're absolutely right about that, and I'm quite aware that my current vigor could evaporate quickly. Four years ago, when scans showed 6 metastatic growths in bone and soft tissues, I didn't expect to reach my current age. So I'm especially grateful to still be able to travel, work and celebrate life. And even with what I'm still able to do, I'm aware of many things I no longer can. We all age differently.

maybe travel is good for the mind, body and soul

I don't think there's any "maybe" about it! Very wise comment.

jphbucks

I identify with what you are saying.

During the past year, my kidneys were failing. The numbers were bad.

Had no idea if I was even going to be able to do the cruise that I had booked for Japan and Korea.

Felt so sad. I wanted just a. few more trips.

My Nephrologist decided to take me off of my statin and my kidneys are now normal. There has been some damage done. My diet will forever be more restrictive and I am seeing a cardiologist for a non statin to control my cholesterol.

But I was able to go on my cruise to Japan and Korea. I will be going to Paris in May. And I have Norway Iceland booked for 2027.

I am filled with gratitude and thanksgiving.

Just a few more trips. And if I have many more trips, that's a bonus.

I

Regarding continuing to travel when getting up in age, we are in our late 70s and now take group tours instead of doing it on our own.
The tour company takes care of all the arrangements that makes it easier to execute while traveling.
I had a hip replacement that I waited too long to have done, so now my opposite knee is having problems. I don't need surgery, but I wear a copper knee wrap, take anti-inflammatory meds. Still, I can keep up with tour, if I don't have to walk more than 2.5-3 miles a day. It helps that doing walking tours that you don't have to do the entire distance all at one time.

Another issue is that when we traveled back in the 80s and 90s, you didn't have to reserve admission into key sites, now you have to do so because the tourist crowds are much heavier. A tour company takes care of all that.

geovagriffin

What tour company do you use?

keep in mind that my budget may be tighter and even much tighter than yourselves.

I love the Road Scholar "Easy Paris" 8 nights but really it was out of budget. I wanted it to be in budget but could not justify the cost for myself. Keep in mind that I travel alone and need a room for just me.

I put off medical treatment. Have reached a place where I must have my cataracts out and doing it this summer. Will be able to really see what Norway / Iceland looks like in 2027.

And if I should go to the CDA gathering late September 2026, I am going to be able to see what people really look like when they first walk in the room, before getting up close. I will not just see an oval with no features.

Still putting off knee replacement.

BostonPhil,
We prefer Gate 1 Travel. Also, we did a wonderful Road Scholar tour of Tuscany and Umbria, but Road Scholar is usually a bit more expensive than Gate 1.