For the person who HAS ALMOST everything
By Lynette M Loomis
Great gift giving is an art. We often assume that an older adult “already has everything.”
So, let’s use our imagination more effectively.
First, consider age, not necessarily chronological, but health and activity level.
Sixty-year-olds and 90-year-olds may have diverse needs and interests. Second, listen to what interests them.
Below are a few suggestions that might work.
Rule of thumb. Get them something they would want to own or experience. Not something you think they should have or do. (Remember the relative who always bought you clothes for your birthday when you really wanted a toy? Same thing.) Be creative. There are only so many sweaters a person needs…at any age. Consider getting them something they always talk about but wouldn’t buy for themselves.
Time. The most valuable gift of all is your time. It doesn’t have to be a grand gesture or an expensive purchase. A daily phone call or a weekly visit. A card in the mail. For older adults, there’s still a sense of magic in receiving something in the mail that isn’t a bill or an ad. On the phone, FaceTime with the grandkids is also a great gift.
Restore old photos
Many older adults have scrapbooks. This is how memories were captured and stored. These books served as a family legacy. Many mature adults prefer hard copy photos, which do not require technical mastery to enjoy. However, even photos that are cracked or faded can be restored. If you are computer savvy, use Adobe Photoshop or Fotor. Locally, Scott’s Photo at 1755 East Ave., Rochester www.rocphotosupply.com restores photos. Online, try Cherish https://memorycherish.com.
Services. As we age, many outdoor tasks require twice the time and result in double the backaches. Gutter cleaning, raking, shoveling, lawn mowing, weeding, planting flower beds or power washing the patio can be an immense help, whether you do the work or hire it out.
Quarterly gifts
There are many ways to splurge on and spoil a family member or friend. Edible Arrangements delivers scrumptious fruit treats from four stores and delivers beyond Monroe County. Their most popular arrangement of fruit, a Simply Edible Bouquet, resembles a floral arrangement and comes with all fresh fruit (pineapple, strawberries, cantaloupe, honeydew). Flowers are available from many local florists. Monthly and quarterly deliveries are available from The Bouqs Company, Urban Stems, FromYouFlowers and other reputable flower delivery companies. Good Chop, ButcherBox, and Omaha Steaks are highly rated meat delivery companies. Wegmans, MarketView Liquor, Naked Wines, Helens Wines and Winc all offer wine delivery or subscriptions.
Transportation. Help set up transportation with one of the many volunteer-based ride services for seniors in the Rochester area. Explore https://here2there.help/home and www.lifespan-roch.org/transportation. Another option is to set up an Uber account or GoGoGrandparent if technology poses a challenge for the gift receiver.
Pet grooming
Lifting a pet into the laundry tub or kitchen sink, especially an anxious pet, is a challenge at any age. Even more so if you’re 80 years old and the dog weighs 50 pounds or more. Many reputable places offer pet grooming services or mobile units that come to the house.
Attic or basement overhaul. This needs to be offered, not forced and done carefully and with respect. It’s not just about discarding items; it’s about listening to the stories associated with the memories. What seems like “junk” to you might be priceless to them. Be sensitive and patient. You might learn a great deal about the person you’ve known your entire life.
Invitation to dinner at your home. Social isolation is a critical concern for older adults and can lead to poor health and premature death. Making extra food so they can take some home for the next day’s meal is a bonus. To make it even more special, use your phone to take a photo of the entire get-together and send it to them, “snail mail,” thanking them for making it a memorable evening.
Pedicure
As we age, our toenails become thicker and more difficult to trim. Add to that the challenges of bending enough to reach the toes and having the grip strength to depress the clippers. A pedicure is not about vanity; it can prevent ingrown nails and infections.
Tickets for two
Let the person enjoy being able to treat a friend to a class or outing. Robin Flanigan’s book, “100 Things to Do in Rochester Before You Die,” is a great resource and is available on Amazon and in bookstores. In the book, which is divided into five categories and offers itineraries by subject and season. Flanigan includes a mixture of the obvious and obscure. She focuses on what is either uniquely Rochester or has received national or international attention.
Massage
There are several benefits of massage. Human touch can be in short supply for the older person living alone. Other benefits of touch include increased circulation, pain relief, reduction of stress and improved flexibility.