It's an even bet that someone is an older adult who is tired of receiving gifts like:
- the latest kitchen gadget they won't use
- another neck tie, shirt or blouse that isn't a fashion statement they want to make
- a tool they can't use because of arthritis in their hands
- a precious pretty collectible of some sort that will end up in a closet with other "dust catchers"
- perfume, aftershave, body lotion, or other toiletries in a scent they can't tolerate, etc.
- a gift box of food they may not want—who wants a box full of pears, most of them bruised and overripe, chocolates when they're watching their sugar intake, salty treats when they have high blood pressure, etc.
Why are these gifts things older adults don't want?
Because the body changes after sixty. Arthritis hampers the ability to use tools and gadgets and even makes it difficult to knot a necktie or button a shirt.
Age changes the olfactory sense so that once pleasing fragrances now can cause allergic reactions to skin or sinuses.
Age may also bring debilitating medical conditions like pre-diabetes, arthritis, high blood pressure, muscle weakness, inability to continue driving, and more.
Most people over sixty have all the collectibles and other material possessions they want. In fact, most older adults are trying to give away excess possessions to people they love because they know that their time in this mortal plain grows shorter with every year that passes.
SO WHAT DO YOU GIVE OLDER ADULTS?
(Let me know if you'd like to see more of these suggestions, and I'll post a part 2.)
(1) Experiences. Take them some place they would like to go but don't because of cost or the difficulty of transportation.
That could mean a fine dining experience for a beautiful lunch or dinner at a place they once loved to go or a place they'd like to go. It could mean taking them to a hockey or basketball game or a museum or the movies.
That could mean gifting transportation to visit you, i.e. a round trip plane or bus ticket.
Many older adults suffer pain in their neck and shoulders. This heating pad is designed to target those areas. It has 6 Heat Settings and an automatic off so there's no risk of heat damage or even electrical shock.
I'm one of those who can't see a darn thing without my glasses, and I'm not especially old!
Many older adults would love to have a calendar clock they could glance at and read—without their glasses!
This clock would be a godsend to them. For those experiencing mental confusion, being able to read this might help ground them.
This is the most expensive item on today's guide, but I think it's one that many older adults would welcome.
Many grandparents aren't in daily contact with their grandchildren, and they long to have a closer relationship—they want to share their life and experiences, but how can they do that when they see their grandchildren so infrequently?
This gift is designed to make that happen. It's a way grandchildren can see grandparents as people, not merely old people they're related to. How does it work?
It's a guided audio journal with phone service up to 3 weekly calls asking profound life questions and recording your answers.
It offers 1000+ curated life story prompts online and customizable. It doesn't rely on WiFi, and answers are recorded via the phone calls.
Your data is secure and encrypted, and you control sharing. It comes with a provided activation code and is compatible with landline phones and smartphones. Read more on the Amazon page.
Give gift cards for specific businesses only if you know the older adult likes to shop there.
Don't give a $25 gift card to some place where it's impossible to find anything under $50.
If you don't know where they shop, but you know they shop online, give an Amazon gift cards where you can set the amount.
Amazon e-Gift card is sent via instant email or text delivery. Amazon Physical Gift Card is mailed to the recipient.
TAKEAWAY TRUTH
If you love the older adults in your life, be thoughtful about the gifts you give. If the above doesn't give you any ideas, then call your loved one and ask them to send you a list of 5 items they would like so you can choose 1 which you know they'll appreciate.
Joan participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, affiliate advertising designed to help websites earn advertising fees by linking to products on Amazon. If you click an Amazon link in her post, she may receive a small commision at no extra cost to you.
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