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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.

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Here are some ideas others shared with us

vicki counts
hummingbird feeder

Kim Morrison
Our jewelry line, Guy and Eva has a couple magnetic clasp necklaces, which I thought would make excellent gifts for elderly women. I plan to give my 89 year old Grandmother one this Christmas. I thought this glass pearl necklace would make a great gift.

https://extranet.securefreedom.com/guyandeva/Shopping/ShoppingCart_Detail.asp?PriceID=9786&Cat=&Qty=1

Others:

https://extranet.securefreedom.com/guyandeva/Shopping/ShoppingCart_Detail.asp?PriceID=10026&Cat=Necklace|ALL&Qty=1

https://extranet.securefreedom.com/guyandeva/Shopping/ShoppingCart_Detail.asp?PriceID=10338&Cat=Necklace|ALL&Qty=1

Our line has been seen in many publications recently. http://www.guyandeva.com/blog/?repurl=Kim

Thanks,
Kim Morrison
www.guyandeva.com/kim

Tina Gilbert
Gift card to a hairdresser or barber
A plant or fresh flowers with a pretty basket or vase
Tickets for 2 for a concert or play that you attend with them.
Rent a movie and bring over popcorn and soft drinks and have a movie night at their
place.

Jessica
Take a good picture of their grandchildren and have it enlarged and framed. Also, many photo places can make calendars out of your photos, and people in their 80's love calendars to right doctors notes, church meetings etc.

Nan
Take the person on a drive on a beautiful day - maybe to a favorite spot.
Gift cards to favorite restaurants if the person is still mobile. Or, make and meals and fill the freezer.
Gift certificate for a massage.
Get one of those photo frames that "plays a slideshow" and "fill it" with family photos.
CD's of music from their era.

polly
A digital photoframe with all the photos loaded for them.

susie
Subscribe to a monthly/weekly magazine for them.

S
Flashlights, from small pocket types to large battery-pack types.
Lighted clip-on magnifying glass lamp
Photo displays of people important to them.
Fruit, nut, cheese, or chocolate candy baskets or containers.

lisa
dinner of the month club

Rururu
My mom wants me to buy a TV for her kitchen, I think this is cool. http://bestchristmasgift.hannspree.com/. Just thought about this is a great idea to share if anyone is interested in.

Phyllis Masson Aberdeen Scotland
Talking Books are brilliant. Ideal for people are partially sighted.

Melanie
My dad, who is almost 85, really appreciates help with maintenance around the house - mowing the yard, trimming shrubs, cleaning out gutters, housecleaning, getting his car waxed and detailed, etc.

Best "gadgets" - an electric blanket, an electric throw, and a back scratcher! This year I'm giving him a car cushion that you plug into the car's lighter that will warm his back and bottom. As your parents grow older (and especially if they are on blood thinner), they appreciate warmth!

He also really likes getting his annual calendar with a picture of his grandchildren on it along with dates of family birthdays! He uses his calendar every day to record doctor visits, etc.

Charlie
HOMEMADE SLIPPERS WITH ELASTIC TOP TO KEEP THEM FROM SLIPPING OFF AND EASY TO PUT ON, A TOILET SEAT BOOSTER OR WARMER!

Do you have gift ideas? Share them here.

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