|
|
Gifts for Women and Men over the age of 80
Good health and good fortune determine the path that we take as we age.
If we are blessed with robust health and a supportive, loving family our path
is very much easier. We can enjoy the wisdom that comes from surviving
an ever changing world. We may not think and move as far or as fast as we
once could, but we keep the same emotions as always. Passions may in fact
be stronger than ever.
|
Even in affluent countries many aged men and women live far from social supports.
They may battle frailty, loneliness and poverty despite many years of employment and
raising a family. Even if an aged person possesses financial security they will
often fret about losing it. They know that their diminishing physical and mental
powers have left them vulnerable.
Choosing a gift for someone over 80 can be a challenge. It would be too easy
if they could make a wish list at Todayiwish.com, so why not suggest it? You
could offer to help if they lack confidence on the internet.
Gift Ideas
Things that money can't buy:
Companionship would be top of the list for many people over the age of 80.
Not just being in a crowd, but having someone who knows who we are and has
the time to sit and listen. Being included in a family function,
being taken out for lunch, morning tea or dinner, picnic on a sunny
day, hour at the beach, an invitation to stay over for the weekend.
These are all gifts that money can't buy.
And in return you may receive a gift that money can't buy. I once met a spritely
old man who as a youth was on the Carpathia, the ship that was the first to reach
the place where the Titanic had struck an iceberg and sunk. He spoke of what
it was like to come upon the desolate life rafts and search for the too few
survivors. For a moment I was there, and could almost touch the chill
silence of that icy tomb.
Home comforts:
Consider arranging help with meals and light housework. In many areas the local
government has excellent support services.
- Modifications for those who have lost grip strength:
There are a wide range of attachments that will help arthritis
sufferers turn on taps, open cans, lock cupboards and stay safe in
the bath or shower.
- Maintenance:
Do a quick check to ensure there are no dangerous electrical points
and that rugs are firmly secured and unlikely to cause falls. Perhaps
it's time to replace light globes, the battery in a fire alarm,
threadbare carpet on a staircase or uneven pavers in the garden.
These simple maintenance jobs are a great gift for anyone over 80.
- Appliances: Heater, air conditioner, new sofa, new bed,
Recliner, Electrical equipment may be old and in need of replacement;
think of giving a new electric kettle, rice cooker, toaster, frypan,
electric can opener, electric blanket, space heater, fire alarm.
Do they use a computer? Could it do with an upgrade or a new VDU?
- Favourite foods:
Good olive oil, wine, chocolates or sweets, cheese, nuts, basket of fruit,
sushi, condiments like honey mustard, chilli sauce, or quince paste.
Taste may change with age so encourage them to list their new favourite
foods on Todayiwish.com.
Comfortable clothing:
Loose, stretchy fabrics are good. A new sweater for winter, a woolly cardigan, socks, slippers.
Accessories:
umbrella, gloves.
Mobility Aids:
walking stick, electric scooter.
Entertainment and Recreation:
- Movies and TV: Night out at the movies, DVD, Boxed set of
favourite TV program, Recliner, Side table, TV, DVD player,
Have videos of family events and favourite TV programs put onto DVD
for longer life.
- Watching Sport: tickets to sporting events,
Video/DVD of especially good events.
- Sports: Golf (clubs, bag, buggy, tees, balls, shoes,
Club Membership), Lawn Bowls (bowling balls, bag), Swimming (Towel,
swimsuit, spray on sunscreen, sunglasses).Fishing (rod, basket, scaling
knife, fish scales, bait, lures, waders, hat).
- Board and Card games: Bridge Set, Poker Set, Games table,
Draughts, Chinese chequers, Scrabble, Chess Set, Backgammon.
- Holiday and Travel: Cruises are very popular. Don't forget
travel accessories like luggage, Travel Guide, Passport wallet, tickets.
- Computing: Computer/laptop, Blackberry, head phones, Software,
Xbox, Playstation, Wii, Interactive games. A really useful way to keep
in touch is to download software such as Skape and hook up a camera
attachment so that your aged relative or friend can phone for a chat
or just to say "don't worry, you can see I'm fine today". This is
especially useful for a loved one in another country or state.
- Creative leisure: Sketching (paper, charcoals, pencils, kneadable
eraser), painting (pastels, pencils, acrylic paints, watercolours, oils),
easel, paint box (medium sized plastic tool box with compartments ideal),
Calligraphy (paper, inks, brushes, pens), pottery (classes, apron),
woodwork (chisel, saw, saw horse,
gig saw, plane, set square). Writing (journal, stationery, scrapbook)
- Reading: the latest bestseller fiction, an autobiography, reading light.
- Special Needs:
Failing memory, eyesight, hearing, muscle strength and stamina is all
part of growing old. We live in an age where technology helps us adapt
to our frailties. Think of health maintenance: new prescription glasses,
hearing aid update, dental check-up, visit to podiatrist for nail trimming
and foot assessment. Equipment such as a walking frame, handles for bath
and shower, personal emergency pendant, and motorised scooter can enhance
their daily living.
Back to Gift Ideas
|
