Mother’s Day has come and gone in a flurry of brunches and flowers and now Father’s Day is fast approaching. Finding the perfect gift for an older gentleman can prove to be a slightly greater challenge than shopping for mom or grandma. Many grandfatherly types have plenty of hobbies to use as a launching pad for gift ideas but what about the less active senior man?
Gifts of books or puzzles can be a good start but what most parents and grandparents really want is a bit of your time. Setting aside time for older family members to participate in a special activity, whether it’s a fishing trip, a sporting event or a concert, is really the best gift you can give.
Some families offer their help instead of buying something and gifting a day of handyman services, gardening help or cleaning can not only provide time for a meaningful connection, it may help a senior stay in their home longer. Maintaining a home can be difficult for older adults but if children or grandchildren pitch in and give the gift of labour instead of knick-knacks, the to-do list can be shortened a bit.
Offering time to help dad or granddad learn how to use the computer or a smartphone could literally open up the world to a senior who doesn’t get out as often as they were once used to doing. Staying connected with far-flung family and friends or researching genealogy can give older adults a way to stay mentally active and socially connected.
Don’t forget to give your dad a hug this Father’s Day and thank him for all the valuable life lessons he taught you on the path to adulthood.
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