From the tops of the pyramids to beneath the Sea of Cortez, old and very old people, have historically traveled all over Mexico. With the graying of America, Baby Boomers increasingly bring their elderly parents to Mexico's Baja California on family vacations along with their younger "kids" (those 20-Somethings).

Cabo San Luca's sunshine, warm waters and air are seen as conducive to good health and rejuvenation by many patients and medical professionals.

With more oldsters flying about it's been noted by medical professionals that airports can cause physiological and psychological stresses on the elderly. Simple baggage handling can be an Olympic challenge for some. At the airport - ask for a wheelchair and special assistance. Dad or Grandma may protest thinking it unnecessary (the dear hearts are so proud) - but assure them it's necessary to have them secure and comfortable as it makes the boarding procedures easier for all.

Caregivers should have pre-travel health consultations with a doctor to review the older persons health and vaccinations status prior to heading south. Travel medical insurance for persons over age 65 is a must with medical air evacuation insurance a plus. It's only a couple hundred dollars a year, and brings real peace-of-mind.

According to specialists in geriatric medicine - Kidney, heart and intestinal infections rate high on the list of medical concerns for aging travelers along with overexposure to sun and hypoxemic (oxygen) issues that affect the ability to breathe, reason, and physically move about.

Most resort hotels have wheelchairs to use in-house. TransCabo ground transportation can accommodate your wheelchair and you'll save substantially on the special taxi by using Los Cabos Guide Vouchers. As they have to remove a seat, bring a ramp and an extra person to help load - the undiscounted cost can run to approximately $200US. for a ride to Cabo from the San Jose airport. Don't be afraid to negotiate. Call from the USA 011 52 (624) 146-0888. You may be able to rent a van for a week via the internet for about the same price. Budget, Dollar, Avis, etc. are all here.

Portable oxygen bottles and carts can be rented, refilled or purchased along with nasal supply tubes and masks at Praxair Medical Oxygen Service in San Jose del Cabo at 011 52 (624) 142-5096. Many American medicines are available here without prescriptions - prescriptions when required can often be obtained from clinics located conveniently near the pharmacies. American and Canadian insurance companies often reimburse for medical care received when abroad, so check with your provider in advance and be sure to keep receipts.

Northwest Medical Los Cabos has facilities in Cabo, the major hotels and the airport to aid in medical emergencies with a doctor of geriatric medicine available. Dr. Felix Porras the hospitals director physician belongs to the Aerospace Medical Association and can be contacted for pre-travel advice at (624) 143-5404, cel. 044 624 147-5263

They also rent wheelchairs, walkers, shower chairs and portable oxygen tanks. To purchase the above items and other physicians' equipment including stethoscopes, blood pressure testers and portable defibrillators try Medica Los Cabos pharmacy on Zaragoza in San Jose del Cabo tel. 146-9895. The pharmacy at Plaza Doradas on the 4-lane in San Jose is open 24 hours and has a full inventory of convalescent care products. They are more expensive than most other options.

Looking for reliable discount medicines? Major chain grocery stores such as Soriana's and Mega both have well stocked discount pharmacies with some home care products available such as shower chairs, wheelchairs, walkers etc. at fair prices.

Lowest prices will be found on generics distributed at Doctor Similares - a chain of discount pharmacies located throughout Mexico and Central America. Their prices are often a fraction of what one would pay in other pharmacies. There are several Doctor Similares in Cabo and San Jose. Ask any cab driver for directions. They usually have a doctor next door that will give you an exam and prescription for under $4US. No kidding. Tried it myself and saved $200 vs. a US clinic the moment I walked in the door. They also have low-cost laboratory services.

In Los Cabos you'll find English speaking general practitioners, cardiologists, endocrinologists, neurologists, anti-aging and other specialists as well as modern E.R. rooms in new hospitals such as Ameri-Med. Nurses and assistants are available to hire to help your viejos (old ones).

Having your oldster monitored by a professional nurse allows you to go out-on-the-town without having to worry about them having too many margaritas in the swim-up bar when you're not around. You might hire an off-duty policeman to monitor your 20-Somethings. Just kidding. But not a bad idea hey?

Grandpas' dentures get lost and grandmas' crowns break - and always when on vacation. Cabo Cosmetic Dental handles dental emergencies 24/7 for many of Los Cabos resort hotels. You can pay for a substantial amount of your vacation by having your families dental work done here while in town. Dental care here is a fraction of the cost back home. You can get a Free Online Consultation by contacting them at: www.cabocosmeticdental.com. Tel. 52 624 143 0520

From routine general dentistry, crowns, dentures and implants, to full-mouth cosmetic restorations - they do it all at a fraction of US prices. Smart dental tourists vacation free in Cabo with their savings. Been there myself. Dr. George Arciga is a Certified Oral Cosmetic Rehabiltation specialist, speaks perfect English, and has been treating American and Canadian tourists for over 30 years.

Did they (or you) lose your glasses? Are they (or you) seeing flashes, spots or floaters in your vision? For Lasik, cataract or other surgeries See San Jose opthomologist Doctor Antonio Serrano. Tel. (624) 142 6465 I can personally recommend him - he saved my sight with his thorough examination and treatment.

Finally, after you and your folks get done partying all night, everyone will need a massage, and perhaps a back adjustment. See chiropractor Dr. Allan Laird -former corporate back fixer for Coca Cola headquarters back home. You won't ant to get off his relaxing, muscle tension relieving hydro-massage table - it's that good. 011 52 (624) 172 6411

David Mandich writes about Baja, Mexico, dental and medical tourism and sells real estate for Century 21 Paradise Properties. He can be emailed at: yachtdorado@yahoo.com or reached via telephone at: Local: 624-130-4094, Cel. 044 624 132 8919 USA Vonage: 520 204 1604