Whether you're a grandma in fact, or just residing at present in that general age range, there are many gifts that would be welcomed by ladies in their "golden years". Like good wine, they are aged and mellow, but also like wine, they may have lost some of their zip and fizz. Being mindful of the recipient's age, health issues, living accommodations, and hobbies will make the choice of a gift easier and more appropriate. Here are some suggestions which may be helpful:
* Pillows: various sizes and colors. Big, fluffy, bed pillows will give extra support to arthritic joints and swollen ankles. Sofa pillows, in a matching shade, will make those afternoon naps more restful. There is really nowhere a lady may choose to sit or recline which would not be made more comfortable with the addition of a few extra pillows.
* Blankets, throws and/or shawls: many older ladies often feel chilly. When comfortably ensconced on soft pillows or elsewhere, they may feel the need of a cover to ward off drafts. From a fluffy blanket for cold winter nights to a light shawl for cool summer evenings, a gift of warmth will always be most welcome and useful.
* If you can afford it, Grandma would love her very own recliner. It's a usual occurrence that Grandpa always gets the Lazy-boy and Grandma can only grab a few stolen moments in it when her hubby is otherwise occupied. A recliner of her own will provide hours of relaxation and comfort.
* Although physically, she may be slowing down a little, her mind still needs and appreciates stimulation. Gift certificates for book stores, movie rentals, or craft suppliers will never go amiss. A personal DVD player might be an idea for a group gift.
* An annual membership in the local YWCA may be appropriate if Grandma is in good health. Many of these facilities have heated indoor pools, exercise classes for seniors, yoga lessons and other activities geared to maintain and improve physical fitness.
*Family portraits are always a great joy for grandmothers. When they see themselves in the midst of sons, daughters, with spouses and grandchildren, it is a constant reminder of their greatest accomplishment, their legacy to the future: their family. Every grandmother should have at least one.
* Visits are special gifts which, though inexpensive, are greatly appreciated. Grandma may not be able to get out as much as she would like, especially in inclement weather. When a son of daughter drops by, alone or with a spouse and children, it will be the highlight of the day, maybe even the entire week.
* I am truly gifted by a son who calls me every evening. We don't talk long, just a minute or so to catch up on the events of the day. The love expressed by his thoughtful act of picking up the phone to check on his mom, no matter how busy he may be, is a gift for which I am very grateful.
*Spring and Fall cleaning chores often hang like the sword of Damacles over the heads of Grandmas who are arthritic or who just lack the necessary energy to tackle the major tasks. A few days' maid service during these seasons would be most welcome by every Grandma I know.
* Finally, the greatest gift you can give any senior lady, Grandma or not, is your time. It doesn't really matter what you do, call, visit with a grandchild, sit and talk, go out to dinner, take in a school concert or a movie. Gift Grandma with your presence. One of the disadvantages of ageing is the increasing isolation one feels from family, friends and society in general.
Grandmas are like everyone else, they like to feel that they're loved, and that they're important in the lives of their families. Because they may lack the energy and the mobility they formerly enjoyed, more effort can be required from the younger generation to provide them with this assurance of being loved and important.
Like everything else on this earth, grandparents don't last forever, but as the old adage says, "What goes around, comes around". I believe the love and care you lavish on Grandma and Grandpa today will someday be returned to you many times over. Then you'll know just how much your kindness was appreciated.
No comments:
Post a Comment