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Gifts for Seniors SEE ALSO relevant interest categories under Gifts by Passion Oh, the privileges of having finally arrived—access to retirement funds; discounted theater tickets, air fares, and car rentals; reserved parking spaces; specially formulated vitamins. Many seniors are capitalizing on these and other privileges, trading in their rocking chairs for running shoes, and happily spending their children's inheritance. Gifts relevant to new passions and old are sure to please them. With the video camera or tape recorder rolling, reminisce with him about his life's memories. Ask about his childhood, education, friends, military service, career. Transcribe the tape to compile a life history. To one who has always had a passion for quilting, give a book on the history or art of quilting. Better yet, assemble a scrapbook with pictures of quilts she has made for others accompanied with their notes of appreciation. Does she still love the ballet? Many are now available on DVD. Has gardening been his life's passion? Take him to a garden show, give him a comfortable bench on which to sit and admire his beautiful garden, or give him one of the many wonderful gardening books or magazines. Arrange a conference call or video teleconference with faraway friends or relatives. Host a luncheon, tea, or another get-together in his or her honor. Sign him up to take a community art, photography, exercise, or another class in which he has an interest. If possible, offer to drive him to class. Better yet, take the class with him. Have old family photos restored and organize them in an album. Take pictures of family reunions and other special gatherings to give to loved ones that are not able to travel. Give a remote-controlled television, compact-disc player, or radio. Be sure to set it up and teach the recipient how to operate the remote control as well as the machine itself. The gift of a new lap quilt or blanket would provide warmth and comfort, and brighten a bedroom or living room. Front door intercoms, garage door openers, and motion-sensor lights make nice gifts to seniors. A room makeover with a fresh coat of paint and new window coverings would provide a change of scenery for a homebound person. A bird feeder, birdbath, wind chimes, or patio planter box would enhance a favorite outdoor space. A comfortable lawn chair or hammock would also be nice. A cordless telephone and regular calls from you make a great gift for a senior who desires frequent contact with friends or family members. Preprogramming frequently called numbers into the phone is an extra nice touch. For a less expensive alternative, give prepaid calling cards. The gift of an answering machine or messaging service would permit her to take calls at her convenience and save special greetings to be played again and again. Hire a reliable teenager or handyman to shovel snow, rake leaves, paint a fence, mow the lawn, clean gutters, or perform other chores around the house and yard. Or provide these services yourself. If the senior enjoys puttering around the yard, give a laborsaving tool—a leaf vacuum, garden tiller snow blower, or riding lawn mower. Prepare a supply of freezer-to-oven (or microwave) meals. Attach labels indicating the contents, heating instructions, and date the meal was prepared. For trips around town, commuting, errands, exercise, or just for having fun, check out the electric-powered wheels at Zapworld, www.zapworld.com. SEE ALSO relevant interest categories under Gifts by Passion
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