Traveling to Mexico with an ileostomy, especially at the age of 79, can bring up a few questions and concerns. If you're planning a solo trip to Mérida, Yucatán, here are some helpful tips and insights to make your journey smoother and more enjoyable:

- Handling Mexican restrooms with an ileostomy:
- In many Mexican bathrooms, you should not flush toilet paper. Instead, use the waste bins provided.
- Hotels and resorts usually have modern plumbing, but public restrooms can vary in quality.
- If you forget and flush the paper once, it’s not likely to cause a major issue, but try to remember.

- Safety and general reassurance:
- Many travelers with ileostomies have reported no major problems in various parts of Mexico.
- Mérida and the Yucatán are known to be among the safest areas, and most tourist zones have English speakers.

- Dealing with heat and health considerations:
- Travelers from hot U.S. states find the February heat manageable, but it's important to listen to your body and stay hydrated.
- If you have heart failure or lung disease, get medical clearance, travel insurance that covers pre-existing conditions, and keep an emergency contact handy.

- Packing and supplies:
- Bring at least twice, preferably three times, the ostomy supplies you expect to use, as they are hard to find locally.
- Split your supplies between your carry-on and checked luggage. Airlines allow a tagged medical bag in-cabin at no extra cost.

- Language and logistics:
- Basic Spanish can be helpful, but it's not essential in tourist areas. Consider using a phrasebook or translation app.
- Traveling with a partner can help with managing age, heat, and medical issues, but solo travel is possible if you feel fit.

- Recommended resource:
- The book “Yes We Can! Advice on Traveling With an Ostomy and Tips for Everyday Living” is highly praised and could be invaluable for your trip.

- Mind-set:
- Many encourage traveling while you can, with sentiments like “You only live once” and “Go out with a bang and enjoy.” However, consider your new cardiac and pulmonary diagnoses carefully.

- Practical essentials:
- Always carry your medications, health documents, and emergency contact details.
- Check U.S. State Department advisories, but remember that your preparation is more important than the neighborhood choice.