Holiday gifts just need a little thought

While cold weather and snow may warm our hearts and put us in the holiday spirit, the dipping temperatures can leave us searching for ways to keep the rest of us warm. With heating prices soaring, “cozy” is the word of the day.

Gift buying for seniors can be tough, as it’s often hard to know just what they’d like. Think soft and warm. Many seniors enjoy wraps and shawls that can be worn while watching TV or reading. Let’s face it, people are turning their thermostats down as far as possible and there’s nothing quite like fleece.

Another good thought is an electric blanket, as sleep is interrupted when you are chilly regardless of your age. Peace of mind also helps you sleep better, so knowing that your senior loved one is safe keeps a restless night at bay.

Here are a few items you probably know about by now, but that bear mentioning again.

. The Penobscot County TRAID Coalition is offering highly reflective house numbering signs that could potentially save lives.

Penobscot County jail inmates make the 6-by-8-inch house number signs with materials that meet the federal 911 standards for reflection. These signs have a strong aluminum backing and are both weatherproof and very visible, especially at night when vehicle lights or flashlights are shined on them.

The deluxe package, which includes two signs and the stake, is $10. A single sign without the stake is $4 and can be bolted directly to the house.

For information on the 911 House Numbering Project, contact your town office or the sheriff’s office at 947-4585, or call me at Eastern Agency on Aging at 941-2865.

And now that your house can be seen in the dark, how about you? Are you visible when venturing out after dark?

Vest Dressed for Safety reflective vests can keep seniors visible when they venture outside. The days are quite short now, forcing us to be out in the dark more often. EAA and TRIAD are encouraging seniors to wear reflective clothing at night. Even walking through a parking lot after shopping or attending an evening movie or concert can be hazardous. While basic black is very fashionable, it is dangerous to wear outside at night.

These vests can be had for a $10 donation to Eastern Agency on Aging, which will help us cover our cost. So think about it. Twenty dollars for the sign and the vest. The piece of mind is free.

Other thoughtful gifts include:

. Inviting an older person to your home for a meal or out to a favorite store to shop. Or just to go for a drive to see the Christmas lights.

. Homemade goodies or chocolates, but be mindful of dietary restrictions. However, homemade meals that can be frozen are convenient and require little energy on the senior’s part.

. Gift certificates to their favorite restaurant.

And then there is transportation. For seniors who no longer drive, taxi vouchers or offering rides to appointments would be a much appreciated gift.

Other suggestions for those who find it hard to get out include assorted greeting cards with stamps on the envelopes, yarn for the knitters, craft supplies, or a cordless phone that may prevent the recipient from rushing when someone calls.

Some seniors would love to receive handmade coupons for things such as card games or odd jobs such sweeping the floor and window washing. And don’t forget your loved one’s pets. Treats and toys show you care. Oftentimes the best way to people’s hearts is through their pets.

But the best gift of all is time and companionship. Committing to weekly or monthly visits, phone calls or outings cost very little but are invaluable to a senior.

Carol Higgins is director of communications at Eastern Agency on Aging. For information on EAA, call 941-2865, (800) 432-7812, e-mail info@eaaa.org, or visit www.eaaa.org. TTY 992-0150.