• Gifts for elderly persons can be beautiful and useful.gifts image by MichaelJordan from Fotolia.com
  
  Finding gifts for elderly persons is sometimes challenging. Hobbies they may have enjoyed when they were younger may not be accessible to them now or they may live in a nursing home or assisted living facility and not have room for larger gifts. However, there a number of beautiful yet functional gifts that elderly persons will appreciate regardless of their situation.
  
  

Clothing

• As individuals age, their metabolism slows down and their circulation is often not as efficient, meaning that elderly people are often cold. Warm sweaters or cardigans, shawls, flannel shirts, and lightweight fleece jackets that are suitable to wear indoors can all be excellent choices. If you choose to gift warm, thick socks or house slippers, be sure to select a pair with non-slip soles in order to help avoid falls.
  
  

Organization

• Since many elderly persons have difficulty getting around, it is always helpful for frequently used items to be kept handy. Consider purchasing or making an organizer that can hold glasses, remote controls for electronics, pens and paper, or any other small items that the individual uses often. The organizer could fit over the arm of a chair, across the lap for those who are in wheelchairs, or hanging from the center bar of a walker.
  
  

Small Luxuries

• Due to limited mobility, lack of transportation or meagre income, many elderly persons may face difficulty obtaining the small personal luxuries that we often take for granted. Consider purchasing items such as scented lotions and bath supplies, or taking elderly women to a local beauty parlor for manicures, pedicures or to get their hair done. Edible treats like candies, special baked goods, or specialty teas or coffees are another good gift option, but be sure to consider any dietary restrictions when choosing these items. Additionally, elderly persons with limited income may not be able to afford music CDs, videos, books or magazine subscriptions, all of which can be purchased as gifts. However, remember to consider what kind of playback equipment the elderly person has access to when purchasing music or videos.
  
  

Caring

• Oftentimes, the most appreciated gift you can give to an elderly person is your time. As people age, they begin to experience a number of losses, usually including the loss of loved ones, leaving them lonely and without the personal connections everyone needs. It can be the best gift just to demonstrate that you care. Spending time with an elderly person can be as simple as taking a walk or just sitting and talking. Even if you cannot be there in person, taking the time to call and really talk for just a few minutes can be very meaningful as can sending a thoughtful card or letter that shows you care.