Thousands of candles can be lighted from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared.
-Buddha
 

One of my favorite songs is James Taylor’s The Secret O’ Life is Enjoying the Passage of Time; and the holidays remind me that another year will soon be past. As I hung the paper-star lanterns in the front window, it seemed like I had just put them away…and now it was time to ponder gift-giving once again.
 

Something You Want

I read a post about an older adult named “Bob” whose step-son asked him what he wanted for a gift this year. His response…”I really don’t need anything.” The step-son replied “Bob, I am going to get you something, it might as well be something you want.”
 

What I read next simply delighted me with its practicality and possibilities:
 

Bob:
I thought for a while and finally said: “Give me three light bulbs and the promise that you will install them as needed.” The beauty of the gift is that I have not been on a ladder in over a year and thus have avoided the risk of falling.
 

Each year getting older adults gifts (or yourself for that matter) can actually be counter-productive; see hoarding and clutter. How many times have we heard the “I don’t need anything” line, and a desire to give gets even more clouded by feelings of obligation or tradition? And in today’s climate resources are tight for many, so here are some thought his son capitalizing on two trends affecting all of us; the aging population and the economic downturn...Give the gift of aging in place to the older adults on your list!
Get creative and make a coupon book, or single coupons for:
 

10 Aging in Place Gifts that cost only your time:

1. One home safety inspection: Then on the coupon date, go over The CDC/MetLife foundation Check List for Fall Prevention and Home Safety with the home owner and identify possible needed home modifications.
2. To put up/take down Christmas lights
3. Be their chauffeur for a day (you will drive them in their car anywhere they desire)
4. Walk the dog each week for a year
5. Cut the grass every two weeks/or shovel snow
6. Give a caregiver the weekend off and you do the caring
7. Cook dinner in-home one night for the senior
8. A deep-cleaning of the home
9. Tech-session (computer tutoring) help them set up a Facebook page or email
10. Wash/wax/change oil/vacuum the car

10 Aging in Place Gifts under $30
 

1. Home Smoke Alarm battery changes every 6 months
2. Change out lower watt bulbs with 3 higher/brighter energy-saving ones
3. Replace 3 toggle light switches with 3 rocker-style ones
4. Put in a Lever handle door opener to replace an old round doorknob
5. Install a toilet seat raiser
6. Put non-skid strips in the tub/shower
7. Paint the steps a brighter color (or paint the ends ofthe steps a bright contrasting color)
8. Place 2 Sensor LED Lights; one at the top and bottom of the stairs
9. Install a Duro-Med Expandable Door Hinge
10. Add a Wide Angle Peephole Viewer in the front door

10 Aging in Place Gifts $100

1. Rubber Threshold Ramp with Beveled Edges
2. The Memory Plus amplified BIG button phone
3. Replace old worn bedroom slippers with new with non slipsole ones
4. Clamp-on tub rail
5. DRILL-FREE Slide Bar with Handheld Shower and Showerhead
6. Snapfon “ez ONE” Cell phone for seniors w/ big buttons
7. Switch Sticks Walking Cane
8. Outdoor Motion Sensor Solar Security Light
9. Toro Electric PowerShovel
10. Jitter Bug(GreatCall) Phone
 

Marjorie Holmes said; “At Christmas, all roads leadhome.” This year make aging in place the gift, because home is the mostimportant place on earth to enjoy the passage of time…
 

*Note these items and actions do not guarantee successful aging inplace-but they can increase the odds.