{"id":10221,"date":"2018-12-06T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2018-12-06T05:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.lifeline.philips.com\/resources\/blog\/2017\/12\/holiday-gift-guide-how-to-buy-gifts-for-older-parents.html"},"modified":"2024-12-05T14:09:56","modified_gmt":"2024-12-05T18:09:56","slug":"holiday-gift-guide-how-to-buy-gifts-for-older-parents","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lifeline.com\/blog\/holiday-gift-guide-how-to-buy-gifts-for-older-parents\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Buy Gifts for Seniors or Older Loved Ones: A Holiday Gift Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"

Looking for the perfect gift for older parents<\/a>, grandparents, or other special seniors in your life?<\/p>\n

Many of the latest gizmos and gadgets dominating holiday advertisements do not make most seniors\u2019 wish lists.<\/p>\n

\u201cBe mindful about what works for the seniors within their abilities \u2013 not whether or not it\u2019s a cool idea from a caregiver\u2019s point of view or from a friend\u2019s or family member\u2019s point of view,\u201d says Lisa Klima, founder and president of SeniorStore. \u201cIf you buy them a gadget, is it something they\u2019re really going to use, or is it going to sit in a drawer? It\u2019s really important to consider practicality.\u201d<\/p>\n

How we can do a better job of choosing gifts for seniors this holiday season<\/a>?<\/p>\n

Consider these five factors when buying a gift for a senior or older loved one this holiday season:<\/h2>\n

Mobility and Dexterity<\/h3>\n

Make sure it’s easy to use: Is this something that can be operated by someone who is losing some of their independence? Will it require them to use more energy than they have available? Be mindful of how much effort is required from the user\u2014and how much effort you’re willing to put into helping them use it!<\/p>\n

Seniors with limited mobility or manual dexterity probably won\u2019t enjoy gifts that require them to move a lot (like an exercise bike desk or a walking tour) or require a lot of hands-on work (like a pottery class or jigsaw puzzle). If increased activity is part of their care goals, consult their physician for gift ideas that require the right amount of movement.<\/p>\n

Visual Acuity and Impairment<\/h3>\n

Gifts that are easy to read and see are crucial for seniors with limited sight. Consider gifts such as large-face playing cards, large print books and games, and appliances or handheld games with larger-than-average screens and simple buttons.<\/p>\n

Read more: Activities to Do with Older Loved Ones During the Holidays<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Comfort with Technology<\/h3>\n

If cognitive impairment and “techno-phobia” aren\u2019t issues, you\u2019ve got many options. E-readers that enable users to adjust type size are practical and enjoyable gifts for the avid reader on your list. Digital picture frames with simple, easy-to-reach on\/off buttons and preloaded with family photos are always nice. Apps also are great gifts for older men and women. Consider ones that enable them to enjoy their favorite hobbies in the digital realm, like photography, painting, calligraphy or crossword puzzles.<\/p>\n

Independence and Safety<\/h3>\n

The best gift for seniors may be independence. Sometimes we worry about our parents and grandparents\u2019 ability to live alone safely. Products like Lifeline\u2019s medical alert systems<\/a> support seniors\u2019 independence with increased safety and peace of mind for the whole family.<\/p>\n

Take these factors into account when making your holiday shopping list, and you\u2019ll be sure to choose the best gift for older parents, seniors, and loved ones this holiday season.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Looking for the perfect gift for older parents, grandparents, or other special seniors in your life? Many of the latest gizmos and gadgets dominating holiday advertisements do not make most seniors\u2019 wish lists. \u201cBe mindful about what works for the seniors within their abilities \u2013 not whether or not it\u2019s a cool idea from a Read more >><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":37669,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"content-type":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[20,46],"tags":[44],"class_list":["post-10221","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-caregiving","category-lifestyle","tag-medical-alert-systems"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nHow to Buy Gifts for Seniors or Older Loved Ones | Lifeline<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Consider these special ideas and factors when buying a gift for a senior or older loved one this holiday season.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, 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