Every person, elderly or not has a right to their body. Just because someone is elderly does not give anyone the right to feel around their breasts. I know, I have to fly my 85 year old dementia- ridden Mom sometimes too. I was very humiliated this last time through security. They felt her up between her legs, and she wears a depend undergarment, which seemed to make the screening take even longer. This was after using the wand and having no beeps. Because she was being patted down at the airport, I was not allowed to stand near. Since she has dementia, this was a difficult moment for her.... and me.

It has been very difficult for my MIL to travel and TSA pat downs just make it more difficult. She has knee replacements and usually ends up spending 15 minutes or more being patted down. She cannot take off or put on her shoes alone. It is also difficult for her to hear instructions - all of which make her very nervous. To me, having the cards that explain 'what device' was implanted in her knees should be sufficient. They go over her with a 'fine tooth comb' - patting and feeling around and under her breasts, between and under her legs, etc. She cannot stand alone and must remain in the wheelchair - which doesn't make it any easier. I just think that they should be able to make a record of certain individuals (like my MIL) if given permission so that they do not have to go through this humiliation over and over. Sadly, she isn't able to travel as often - but it wouldn't hurt for TSA to try to accommodate the elderly a bit more.