We often hear, “In their final moments, people don’t regret not making more money; they regret not spending enough time with loved ones or cherishing meaningful relationships.” I have seen most senior people around me holding on to experiences and memories rather than tangible things.
My grandpa died last year. He was a fun-loving (alive more than me), thoughtful, and stylish person. I always saw him finding opportunities to spend time with us. The more he lost control over his body day by day, the more he tried to hold on to every single moment spent with his family.
When you think of a present for elderly people, think differently than in other cases. Their age, needs, difficulties, and comfort should all be considered before giving a gift, as you wouldn’t want to add a dust-collecting item to their home.
Tangible Gifts
Rather than giving something beautiful that you want to give them, make the gifting intention more about them. After a lifetime of working and experiencing life through numerous phases, perhaps they don’t need what you think they want. Gifting should be intentional and aimed at making their life comfortable.
- Old photographs or a family photo album are great sentimental gift options. They will appreciate it as they can look at the photographs over time and cherish those moments. This is also helpful for Alzheimer’s patients to repeatedly recall life events.
- A memory journal is another thoughtful addition. Senior people like having a journal to write down their thoughts and memories—a daily-use item that’s easy to manage.
- After retirement, many people develop a hobby of gardening, as greenery adds calm and peace to their lives. To make their gardening journey more comfortable, tools and plant kits might be a good option. Additionally, for back pain, you can give a gardening tool seat so that they can rest while working.
- With the world progressing at light speed, senior people often receive less attention and care. As they stay home most days, adding home security systems might make them feel secure and safe.
- A meal gift card can give them an opportunity to dine out and spend quality time away from repetitive household meals. Food gift baskets are always welcome, but that’s what they often get the most. In that case, food items might stack up and go to waste. Ask what they want to eat; sometimes raw ingredients for special dishes might be better.
- An Uber service card for six months or something similar can be great for easier transportation.
- To get them out of boredom and spend quality time, buy them puzzles and board games. These can keep them busy and serve as brain exercises for dementia.
- Old age often comes with various health issues, and organ functionality becomes vulnerable over time. For those with poor eyesight, audiobook subscriptions can be a great gift. If their hobby is reading, you can give them an e-reader to make reading flexible with customizable font sizes and light settings.
- Over time, back pain and other bone pains become common issues. To ease the pain, you can connect them with a physiotherapist. Massagers, backrests, and motorized wheelchairs can also make their daily life more comfortable.
- Getting them a pet for companionship is thoughtful. But make sure they have the ability to manage it; otherwise, it may become a hassle in their life.
- Elderly people often have the habit of reading newspapers and magazines more than younger generations. Buying them a subscription can brighten their mornings.
- They often face difficulties doing basic chores like cleaning their house. A robot vacuum cleaner can be a great helping hand.
- A pill organizer can be a great aid. You can organize their pills monthly or weekly. Pill organizers with alarms to remind them when to take their medication are also available, reducing the need for constant assistance.
- For those with bad eyesight, even watching the time can be difficult. Talking watches or day clocks with large fonts are excellent presents for this issue.
- Adult coloring books, specifically designed for older adults, can help them spend relaxing and creative time.
- Customized gifts based on their hobbies can make them feel special. For instance, if grandma loves knitting, yarn or knitting kits are great options. If Grandpa loves poetry, an original edition of his favorite poet’s work can be magical.
Experiences or Services
Over assets, decors, and anything materialistic, aged people mostly crave time, affection, and attention. Elderly people want those activities that they couldn’t do in their lifetime. They value intangible gifts more. To make them happy, basic human bonding is the most valuable thing one can do. Loneliness, helplessness, and insecurity are most commonly faced as they get older.
Take them for a walk, spend time with them every now and then, like having tea or coffee together, cooking something for them, or listening to their stories.
If elderly people become handicapped, then getting out of their homes becomes difficult. Plan a comfortable tour to take them out for fresh air.
Take them to museums, ferry boat crossings, if religious, then to pilgrimages, if music lovers, then old opera houses. The summary is: spend time with them.
For various health issues and reduced ability to do household work, they often need outside help. Why not be a helping hand? Perhaps, they need to clean the house; then do that occasionally. They might need to move something heavy; be the carrier then. Need to take their pets for a walk but are unable to do so because of getting weaker? Then go for a walk in place of them.
When they stay alone, several issues might arise; solve those to make them comfortable.
Being emotional support for those who need company might be the best gift you could ever give. Sometimes all you need to do is think outside the monetary world, being a heartfelt caregiver for your grandparents.
