I have two cats. They are lovely, aged 13 and 14- one is still "young at heart", but the other acts pretty old. I am not sure I should bring them with me when I move from Dublin, Ireland to Arkansas- the move itself would be pretty stressful- also they have always been indoor cats living in a small apartment, and would move to a large-ish house with a garden/ yard, so that would be strange and maybe difficult for them too (they have never seen a dog!) , and they'd need all their shots (they have none right now). But I have had them for such a long time, and will miss everyone/ everything from Ireland when we move. I want to do what is best for them though. I have a friend here who would probably take them if I asked.

Those of you who have older pets and moved far away, did you bring them with? If so, how did they adapt?

You have to do what you feel in your heart is the best thing. Do they handle short trips well, or do they panic at the suggestion of a ride in the car? Have you spoken with your vet about how they might react to the tranquilizers?

My parents and I moved to France for a year (a looong time ago so laws and restrictions were different then) and we took our cat. She must have been twelve or thirteen at the time, but was very spry and healthy. We knew she would hate the trip but that she was not likely to be damaged by it, and we would all be happier with her with us instead of leaving her in the states under who knows what circumstances.

She did wonderfully. The only lasting effect was that for the rest of her life whenever anyone packed a suitcase she would camp out in it for days until they person left, refusing to be left behind.

Talk with your vet and see what s/he thinks about their health. If they survive the trip to the states, they should be fine once they get there. The usual recommendation is to start them off in a small room (bedroom or bathroom) with food, water and litter, and then let them explore the house at their own pace. Make sure they know where you are and where their toys, food, litter, etc. are. Don't let them out if they aren't outside cats, just let them enjoy their new place. And don't be afraid if they disappear for a day or so. When we moved from our little apartment to our new house, we lost the little cat for over twelve hours. She was in the basement the whole time, just very good at keeping her eyes closed.
Before you knew it, though, they were ladies of the manor again.

There are, of course, plenty of cats here to adopt, so if you decide it's best for them to leave them with your friend, you know they'll be well looked after and you know there will be plenty of company available for you here.
But if you feel they are strong enough to make the trip, then by all means take them with you. They are family, too.

we had 12 cats and two dogs that weathered over a dozen moves (One move over 3000 miles). Just make sure they know where the important things (to them) are and give them lots of TLC.

I have been meaning to reply to this, sorry it took me so long.
All the advice you have been given is excellent.

I made a similar move from Engand to Canada. At the time, we had three dogs and two cats. In my case, I considered the animals' temperaments, but also what I could cope with, traveling, and once I got here. (I was traveling alone with a new baby)
I ended up finding new homes for two of the dogs, and one of the cats. It was heartbreaking at the time, but it was the best situation for the animals, and us.
So, I brought one dog and one cat here. I think the dog, an Old English Sheepdog, was about 3 years old, and the cat was maybe about 5. So, much younger than your cats.
The animals really do adapt well, though. Once they get here they have you with them. As has been said, give them access to a small area at first, and gradually expand the space, so they are able to roam throughout the house. Start by putting the travel crate in that room, open the crate door, and let them take their time to explore.

By far the most stressful part of the move, is the journey. So prepare for that ahead of time. Introduce them to the crate they will be traveling in, ahead of time.
There are very strict regulations about crate sizes, and lots of documentation you'll need from the vet, on the animals' health, before you can bring them into North America. At least this was the case when I brought our animals here.
I'm sure I'm telling you something you already know, but all this preparation needs to be done well in advance. In the case of bringing our animals to Canada, it was also very expensive.

As I said, animals are really good at adapting. Even with a 24 hour delay at Heathrow, and the animals having to be unloaded from the plane, and put into an RSPCA shelter overnight, to wait for another flight, they arrived safely, and did very well here. It took them a matter of days to adjust.

Good luck, whatever you decide, and all the best in your new life. dg

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when I move from Dublin, Ireland to Arkansas

I second what everyone else said in regard to the pets. As for you, Dublin to Arkansas...are you nuts?

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As for you, Dublin to Arkansas...are you nuts?

S'ok the cats are adults, so they won't pick up the accent. But those poor little babies...

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But those poor little babies...

Yeah, Drinking Bud Light instead of Guiness.