Great Gifts for the Older Adult in Your Life!

It can be particularly difficult to find appropriate (and appreciated!) gifts for our older relatives, friends or clients. So what's the secret to success when shopping for the senior in your life? Do you go with practical or fun? High-tech or low-tech?
This post was published on the now-closed HuffPost Contributor platform. Contributors control their own work and posted freely to our site. If you need to flag this entry as abusive, send us an email.

It can be particularly difficult to find appropriate (and appreciated!) gifts for our older relatives, friends or clients. So what's the secret to success when shopping for the senior in your life? Do you go with practical or fun? High-tech or low-tech? Here are a few Dr. Alexis Approved great ideas that will hopefully help as you begin to tackle your gift list for the seniors in your life.

2013-11-17-rgleash.jpg
The RuffGrip Dog Leash: This leash makes walking a dog easier for people with gripping or dexterity problems due to arthritis in the joints of their hands. The extra padding and no-slip grip is lightweight and provides extra control, while the super soft leather lining makes the leash extremely comfortable to hold.

2013-11-17-PEELER.jpg
Chef'n PalmPeeler: For those folks in your life who have hands that are aching or shaky, this peeler is amazing. Just slip your finger through the soft rubber ring on top for a natural feel and extremely easy peeling. The users hand force is also minimized due to the unique design.

2013-11-17-vtech_careline.jpg
VTech CareLine: Want the senior in your life to stay socially connected? Seniors are empowered to maintain active lifestyles and close relationships with this home telephone and personal communication system. This product was designed to answer seniors' daily communications needs and support hearing, dexterity or vision challenges. Features include large displays, photo speed dial, reminder capabilities, volume boost and a wearable pendant with one-button dialing that directly calls those pre-selected people who seniors communicate with most or for emergencies.

2013-11-17-images2.jpeg
Easy Grip Slant Tip Tweezers: These tweezers are specifically designed for those with gripping and dexterity challenges. They are ready to use, right out of the easy to open package. The rounded back rests in the palm of the hand for stability and control. The comfortable, soft rubber finger and thumb grips make the tweezers easy to hang on to while they are being used. They also have precision tips with a unique gripping surface to tweeze fine and tiny hair.

2013-11-17-tppro300x300.jpg
Tee Pal Pro: Having a bad back doesn't mean that your aging loved one needs to give up golf. In fact, the low-impact nature of the sport makes it an ideal physical activity for mature adults. However, there are still challenges, including bending over to tee up the ball. The Tee Pal Pro is a unique, lightweight, and ergonomic golf ball-teeing device, allowing users to remain upright so they don't have to bend over to "tee up the ball."

2013-11-17-wraps_and_capes.jpg
EasyWear Jacket and Pocket Cape: This versatile, practical, and super soft, Janska's EasyWear Jacket and Pocket Cape is a wardrobe staple. The minimalist design and thoughtful details, such as oversized buttons and generous armholes, can make getting dressed easier for people with gripping, dexterity, bending or reaching challenges. This unique clothing line was actually created by a caregiver who was frustrated with the scarcity of functional, stylish clothing options available to those with limited mobility.

2013-11-17-makinglifeeasier_2264_164922258.jpeg
Easi-Grip Cheese Slicer: The contoured handles of this product were re-molded in a soft feel plastic, which gives a firm comfortable grip in either hand. The stainless steel tools are set at 90 degrees from the handle, keeping the hand and wrist in a neutral stress free position. Easi-Grip Knives and Kitchen Tools are super comfortable for everyone to use, but will be particularly beneficial for those with gripping and dexterity issues.

2013-11-17-images11.jpeg
The Radius Trowel: This lightweight senior-friendly gardening tool features an innovative curved handle (called the Natural Radius Grip), making it user-friendly and comfortable even for people with arthritis of the joints in the hands. Intuitive and easy-to-use, this grip helps enable digging, even in tough soil, without putting excess strain on the hands or wrist.

2013-11-17-Bathtub.jpeg
Bathtub Steps: These steps add a great deal of safety and stability when getting in and out of the bathtub. The product provides a four-inch boost, with a slip-resistant textured top and rubberized feet enabling users to confidently climb over the tub wall, even in wet conditions.

2013-11-17-TeaPot.jpg
Kettle/Teapot Tipper: Enjoy that nice cup of tea without the worry or concern of scalding yourself. If the older adult in your life has gripping or dexterity challenges this product is perfect for them! This 'tipper' has a raised titling platform and allows the user to pour hot liquids safely and steadily without lifting any weight. It is suitable for most types of teapots or electric kettles and comes with a Velcro strap for added security. Made completely from plastic it is lightweight and corrosion resistant.

2013-11-17-GardenKneelerSeatGKS2Action1960.jpg
Garden Kneeler: This is the essential tool for any 'green fingered' person! This product helps with the repetitive motion of getting up and down -- which can be a strain on both the back and the knees. Made from robust steel with a soft comfortable kneeling platform, it also has arms that are just the right height to assist getting back up with stability in mind. It weighs just 8 pounds so it's not difficult to carry, it folds flat in seconds and can be easily stored away.

2013-11-17-CoffeMug.jpg
Two Handle Coffee Mug: This mug features extra large handles that allow for multiple gripping and lifting options for those with decreased dexterity. The two handle ceramic mug has a curved rim that helps prevent drips, and can be used with hot or cold beverages. The mug was designed to provide drinking independence for those with limited strength or other challenges that might prevent them from holding a traditional mug.

2013-11-17-SwivelSeat.jpg
Swivel Seat: Turn any seat into a swivel seat cushion. If your loved one suffers from arthritis, leg, hip or back problems and has difficulty entering or exiting a car this swivel car seat is perfect for them. The padded seat swivels 360° to offer maximum comfort and turning mobility. They can also use it on the seats in their kitchen, living room, or office. Just position the swivel seat in place and it will swivel them easily in and out without pinching them or their clothes.

Follow Alexis Abramson, PhD:
Facebook
Website
LinkedIn
Twitter
info@abramson.com

Disclaimer: Content and suggestions provided within should not be construed as a formal recommendation and AJA Associates, LLC makes no representations, endorsements or warranties relating to the accuracy, use or completeness of the information

Close

What's Hot