Father’s Day Cake made by Esperanza
NOTE: 2015 ROUND-UP OF GIFTS FOR FATHERS AND GRANDFATHERS–PARTS 1 AND 2– IS THE MOST UP-TO-DATE GIFT LIST. READ NO FURTHER, JUST CLICK THIS LINK
The cake should look familiar–from my last year’s Father’s Day post. Today I’m rounding up gift ideas from my past posts and adding some. Indeed I’m also adding some hidden agenda items that enhance aging parents’ quality of life, designated **. (You’ve probably thought about them but never had the courage to act.) Since Father’s Day is Sunday, here’s the list–by categories–that should help us last-minute shoppers.
Accessories/Clothing:
- Cane (measured correctly) or walking stick
- Hat (to shade a bald/potentially balding head)
- Sport shirt. (Dad liked long sleeve ones to protect his arms from skin cancer–a definite concern as he aged.)
- Sleeveless cardigan (not over the head) sweater vest. Easier to get off and on if buttons aren’t a problem. Older people run cold. Dad wore it at home. It also looked good under a jacket when he went out. (This style is hard to find…know someone who knits?)
- An easy-to-use umbrella–opens/closes with the push of a button. Note: there has been a lot of rain this spring. (Totes makes one.)
Computers–especially designed for seniors: Check the 6 options in my May post https://helpparentsagewell.com/2011/05/28/computers-especially-for-seniors/ .
- A-Plus Senior Computer
- Big Screen Live
EldyGO computer- WOW computer
Pzee computer
For the even less-technology-talented, check out
- Paw Paw and the
- Presto Printing Mailbox.
Entertainment:
- Magazine Subscription
- Netflix
- Subscription to newspaper–hometown, financial
- Tickets to sporting events etc.–accompany Dad or for Dad and a friend.
- A short outing with Dad (fishing trip, golf game, movie, zoo, his old neighborhood if it’s near–you might learn additional family history).
- Membership to the YMCA
- Membership to a gym
- Membership to Silver Sneakers
- A good blood pressure gauge may be a gift that helps parents age well, possibly recommended by doctor.
- A great pair of shoes for walking
- **This medication reminder was featured in a respected hospital’s magazine, sent to seniors in surrounding communities. http://www.guardianmedicalmonitoring.com/medication-management.asp. Good idea for forgetful fathers (and mothers)?
Hearing: Hearing loss in older people is a problem for them and us.
- **Assistive listening systems: for TV watchers who need very high volume(http://www.hsdcstore.com/FAQs/DigitalTV.htm) to hear well while others don’t. Scroll down to “Assistive Listening Devices,” to educate yourself.
- **Amplified Telephones=better conversations for all. http://telephonesforhearingimpaired.com/ provides a quick education as does the “Amplified Telephones” section of this U. of Calif at San Francisco Medical Center site: http://www.ucsfhealth.org/education/hearing enhancement_devices/
- **An appeal for an appointment with an audiologist (write a nice note)
- Starbucks VIA ready brew individual instant coffee packets–regular or decaf in 3 or 12 packs for coffee lovers. Microwave in mug. Pricey. Dad probably wouldn’t buy it for himself.
- A massage or a professional shave
- Large print books (for dads who still like the feel of a book)
- The Kindle or other electronic book, where the font can be enlarged–a Godsend I hear
- The mini-maglite, small flashlights that give great light in dark places.
- Pocket magnifying-glass takes up little space, is light weight, not pricey ($9.95 at Barnes & Noble), remains lit without having to keep a finger on any button, great for reading (menus/bills) in dark restaurant.
You can laugh with Dad if your “hidden agenda” gift is discovered. But he will know your heart’s in the right place.
……..additional ideas in next post.
Help! Aging Parents 