As we age, we usually work to downsize, eliminating clutter, knick-knacks and trinkets that no longer hold meaning. It is for this reason that it can be hard to buy for seniors during the holidays. Many of them don't want or have room for more "stuff." Sharing your time, attention and your lives may be the best present you can give; holidays are really about sharing and togetherness. However, if you are far away or big into gift-giving, the following holiday gifts have been well-received by seniors in the past, and may be appreciated by the older individuals in your lives for years to come.

Digital picture frame:

Relatively new on the market, digital picture frames can be filled with picture files, flashing your favorite pictures of family, friends and memories in a slide show format, all in a compact picture frame that can sit right on your dresser or bedside table. Most of the frames plug in, so you don't have to worry about batteries. Uploading photos into the frame before you present the gift will make it even more special.

Scrapbook:

Along the same lines as a digital picture frame, but a bit more old-fashioned, a scrapbook can serve as an excellent memory keeper for seniors. It may take some time to put together, but you can even bring the materials to your loved one's place of residence and compile the scrapbook together, making it a fun holiday activity for all involved.

Comfort care:

Nice smelling lotions and bath products make great holiday gifts that are usable and functional. Most older individuals welcome a hand massage with lotion from a loved one. The simple act of touch can make a huge impact. Scents like lavender and vanilla can be calming and comforting as well. Fuzzy slippers feel nice on older feet that may be lacking normal circulation.

Stationery:

Maintaining correspondence is important for seniors who may live far away from family and friends. A package of personalized paper, cards and pens would make a great gift for a loved one who remains connected through mail. Pre-stamped and addressed envelopes may prompt letter writing too.

Personal assistive devices:

For those hard-to-reach items, someone who may have trouble reaching high or low places might welcome a grabbing device.

Give love to troops overseas:

The holidays can be lonely for troops stationed overseas. As a gift to them, and ultimately yourselves, get together with a loved one and make postcards to send to our troops. Knowing that complete strangers are thinking about them over the holidays will lift their spirits, and yours.

Volunteer your time:

Some seniors are alone at later stages in their lives and holidays can be difficult reminders that their family lives far away or is no longer in the picture. If you don't have any older individuals in your family, volunteer at a local senior living community during the holidays. Fresh faces are always welcome, and simply playing a card game or reading with a resident can make their time more enjoyable and a bit less lonely.

While kids love ripping away wrapping paper and receiving the latest toys, seniors love to know that you're thinking about them. Any of the above ideas will let them know that they are loved and kept in mind any time of the year.

Brookdale Senior Living, the largest senior living provider in the United States, owns and operates eight communities in the Houston area.

Michelle Rainer, Sales and Marketing Director

Brookdale Senior Living

(281) 507-4835 mrainer@brookdaleliving.com

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