AARP research shows that 90% of seniors would prefer to continue to live at home as they age. When holiday shopping for senior relatives or friends, consider gifts that send the message that you support their staying right where they want to be.
We worry about the safety of seniors at home, but when buying gifts, it's the thought that counts, so look for items where it's the convenience that's emphasized. For example, motion-sensing lights can detect movement and will automatically turn on when someone enters a room. This can be helpful for visibility and fall prevention. Another gift that will also help prevent falls, but that sends the message of warmth and comfort, try wool socks with rubber treads on the bottom. If you’re worried about falls, remember: the bathroom is the most dangerous room in the house. Instead of buying the items and wrapping them up, offer to install shower grab bars and throw in a shower seat.
As the seniors in our lives age, the kitchen is a more dangerous place too. According to FEMA, older adults have a greater risk of dying in a fire, and most home fires take place in the kitchen. To keep Mom safe, consider buying her an induction cooktop. She will appreciate the safety factor of this type of cooking, since there are no open flames and no direct heating of the cooktop surface.
If your senior is meticulous about the yard but taking care of it is taking a toll, how about a month of springtime lawn maintenance? Hiring a lawn care service typically costs between $30 and $80 per visit. Some professionals offer extra services like pruning, irrigation, and fertilization.
We’d all love to give up housework, but after a lifetime of cleaning the house, seniors will especially love giving it up. Consider getting domestic help. Contact a well-known national cleaning service or check out local companies through the Better Business Bureau. Maybe if everyone pitches in, you could buy them the service for a year?
Seniors love movies but don’t always love going to the theater. Try a subscription to a streaming service like Netflix or Amazon Prime. If they already have Netflix but love the classics, maybe they'd like Disney+, or HBO Max, which includes Turner Classic Movies.
You can help make them feel tech-savvy without too much effort on their part, with a fitness tracker, which also promotes physical activity. Sometimes a new outlet can open a whole new world.
With the onset of online learning, many seniors are returning to school to get their degrees. Online degree programs allow them to learn from home at a pace that suits them. This year, you can support your senior by giving them some financial help as they pursue a degree.
As much as we love our independent seniors for being independent, it’s a fact that driving is more dangerous for seniors. With an Uber gift card, they’ll feel like they’ve got their own chauffeur. While we're on the subject of gift cards, they make great gifts for people of all ages, because they’re sure to get what they want. These days, there are gift cards for nearly everything.
If your senior loves to get around but doesn't have the balance or muscle they used to, the adult tricycle is a fabulous gift. Trikes allow mobility without requiring the cat-like reflexes of their two-wheeled cousin. Bikes can be really expensive, but that's usually the racers, because of lightweight materials and sleek design. A trike may not be as expensive as you think.
Seniors who have trouble getting out often feel isolated and enjoy the company of family and friends. While your senior might love their new induction cooktop or manicured lawn, what they will treasure most is your time. Visit with them over the holidays. If you can't get to their house, call them and tell them you love them.
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