Want to really make your parents or grandparents happy? Most seniors are trying to get rid of things, not acquire them. Sometimes the best gift doesn't come gift wrapped.
While thoughtful gifts are always appreciated, just spending time with someone or making their lives easier, more comfortable, or more fun is the best gift of all.
Lend a Hand
Elderly people tend to have less energy and inclination to do physically taxing or time-consuming chores than when they were younger.
- Many would welcome the offer to clean out the closet, reorganize the kitchen, do strenuous yard work, or give the house a thorough cleaning. That may involve the gift giver's elbow grease, or the hiring of outside help.
- Some would love a "personal secretary" to help with correspondence, paperwork, organizing files and labelling them with easy to read, large font letters, or other such tasks. Offer a day or so to chip in.
- Reminiscing, recording the past , and compiling geneaologies is a passion of many in their "golden years." They may appreciate help in finding records, sorting information, contacting relatives, or recording information in a chart or online.
- Many elderly people enjoy using the Internet to keep in touch or shop. Consider offering them an hour with a computer geek to show them things they may not know about, or download software for them that's geared to their interests.
Indulge Body and Mind
Who doesn't like to be pampered in a big way from time to time?
- Mothers or grandmothers may love having "the works" at a spa or beauty salon, including a manicure, shampoo, massage, or other treat.
- Elderly men as well as women may appreciate a massage or pedicure. The body becomes less flexible with age, and a massage can work wonders on achy limbs or arthritis. Also, one problem some elderly people have is clipping their toenails. Angling the body to reach the toes can be physically challenging. And with age, toenails become harder and therefore harder to cut.
- Some seniors tend not to go out much but may want to under the right circumstances. If transportation is a problem, offer to drive him or her to Bingo Night or a book club. Or consider offering to pay for a senior class in Yoga, bird watching, dancing, or whatever it is that makes their eyes light up.
Offer Companionship, and Quality Time
- Simply spending time with elderly parents and grandparents is seen by them as a gift. Many of the above suggestions for helping out will involve more time together. It will probably be appreciated as much or more than the tasks you accomplish for them.
- That still leaves a lot of time when elderly people may be spending time alone and lonely. A cat (preferably an older, more relaxed one) or other pet may be seen as a welcome gift. And stroking a cat is associated with lowering the blood pressure and other health benefits. You could offer to pay adoption and other expenses. Of course, no animal should be a surprise gift, and the owner must be able and willing to care for it.
Sometimes the best gifts are not gift wrapped. Elderly people have usually seen it all. Most want to get rid of clutter in their lives, be comfortable, enjoy spending quality time with their family and friends, or just have fun. Giving the gift of time and attention may be the best Christmas present they receive.
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Elizabeth Harrington - Poet, Freelance Writer, Marketing Research Professional, Blogger (www.allaboutqualitative.com)
