As people age, their needs evolve. With Valentine’s Day around the corner, some of you may have neighbors, acquaintances or distant relatives you would like to delight with a token of your affection. Nothing expensive, elaborate or too personal, but something that will put a smile on their faces while providing a little more comfort in their daily lives.
Here are a few suggestions:
If they have a problem with transportation, offer free rides to their doctor or beauty shop.
Take their pet for a walk.
If they are on fixed income, buy their favorite dessert and/or wine, something they’ll hardly ever splurge on, or a gift card from their regular grocery store.
Offer to take their picture then e-mail it to one of their favorite far away relatives.
Go to a religious function with them. They’ll enjoy the company.
Take them to a used book store and let them pick a few books with large print. Better yet, offer to read a chapter or two to them.
Change their burned-out light bulbs and the battery in their smoke alarm. While you are at it, change their A/C filter, too.
Bring them a live plant, the kind that survives drought, draft and distress.
Prepare a meal or two for the freezer in containers they don’t need to return. Keep in mind reduced appetites and dietary restrictions.
A flashlight with fresh batteries is a thoughtful gift that can prevent a stumble during the night.
Finally, the simplest gift of all, your time. Whatever you do, do it with a smile. You may be at the receiving end sooner than you anticipate.
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