Aging Parents: A Round-Up of Gift Ideas for Father's Day

Fathers Day Cake made by Esperanza

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.)
• 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 http://helpparentsagewell.com/2011/05/28/computers-especially-for-seniors/  .

• A-Plus Senior Computer
• Big Screen Live
• Eldy
• GO 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).

Health:

• 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 local 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 everyone.

• **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/  

Check this NY Times article:   http://gadgetwise.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/01/07/functions-to-make-phones-easier-for-the-elderly/ which mentions Clarity's phones, http://shop.clarityproducts.com/.

Usually I pay little attention to company's emails sent to my blog's gmail, but because of the Times article--this interested me.  Click on the amplified phones picture for Clarity's offerings. A few phones (which may or may not meet your parents needs) are on sale for Father's Day.

 

Google "telephones for hearing loss" for additional phone options.

• **An appeal for an appointment with an audiologist (write a nice note)
• **Assistive listening systems: for TV watchers who need very high volume (http://www.hsdcstore.com/FAQs/DigitalTV.htm), while others in the room DON'T. Educate yourself. Scroll down to "Assistive Listening Devices."

Pampering

• 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

Vision: We know aging produces vision changes in many.

• 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 (less pricey at Staples), remains lit without having to keep a finger on any button, great for reading (menus/bills) in dark restaurants.

This is getting too long; will try to add to it tomorrow.  In the meantime, the "hidden agenda" part was inspired by an old event in my life.

The first Christmas we were married, my husband gave me a gift he thought I should have (cookbook).  But then he had another gift for me that I really liked.  We still laugh about it.  But the additional gift made it very OK.  OK--you get it.

Since helping parents age well is important, is there a gift that would enhance your dad's well-being? Something he would have resisted if you suggested it, but probably won't refuse especially if it's combined with something he'd really like? These are the ** gifts. You can laugh with him if your "hidden agenda" is discovered. But he will know your heart's in the right place.

Also visit my other site: http://helpparentsagewell.com   Same blog, more resources