What are some gift ideas for senior adults?
Nashville, Ark. –
This year, the holidays bring extra challenges when it comes to buying gifts for seniors on your list. For those loved ones who may be bedridden or in an assisted living facility, we want to give them gifts they can use. Devotion is the greatest gift you can give. One of the best gifts to give is your time. Just go and spend some time visiting with them. However, with Covid restrictions, this may not be an option. Of course, calling them and spending time visiting with them on the phone may be an option.
Here are some other ideas to help you provide a gift they will love.
- A large-print calendar that highlighted family members’ birthdays and other important dates.
- A gift certificate to a grocery store or pharmacy.
- A box of assorted greeting cards and postage stamps. Assortment should include birthday, sympathy, get well, etc.
- A new family portrait. Present it in a frame so it is ready to display.
- A new easy chair or recliner.
- New, cozy warm slippers.
- Large numbered television remote control.
- Do some minor home repairs.
- A nightlight to light the path to the bathroom.
- Bathroom enhancements such as a raised toilet seat with handrails, a shower bench with handrails and backrest or a hand-held shower spray. Make plans to install them yourself or have them installed.
- Warm washable socks or leg warmers are great gifts.
- Make or purchase a tote bag to hook on a wheelchair or walker.
- A large face clock with easy-to-read numerals, a large easy-to-read calendar, a talking alarm clock.
- Extra lighting of all kinds is always welcome, such as desk lamps, flashlights, night lights, outdoor lighting. Look for products that can be recharged rather than uses batteries.
- Gardening tools with large, soft grips; a wheeled garden scoot or padded kneeler. There a lots of great gardening tools for older people or people with disabilities.
- Kitchen tools that have large handles, etc. for people with arthritis or limited mobility that make it hard to grip items.
Remember, the gift of love is the greatest gift of all. For more ideas on gifts to help care for someone you love or for the person who has everything, contact the Howard County Extension Office at 870-845-7517 or check out our website at www.uaex.uada.edu and click on Health and Living, then Aging. The Howard County Extension Office is located on the second floor of the courthouse.
Roasted Pork Loin Recipe
Need a healthy recipe for a special occasion? Try this one. It is low in calories and high in protein. For more healthy recipes, including one’s for diabetics for the holidays, contact me at the Howard County Extension office at 870-845-7517. I’ll be glad to send them to you!
- 1 pound potatoes, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 medium yellow onion, sliced
- 2 Tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 Tablespoons Italian seasoning blend
- 1 (4-5 pound) boneless pork loin
- 2 Tablespoons minced garlic
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
- Spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.
- Combine potatoes and onion in a large plastic bag with the oil and seasoning.
- Seal the bag and shake vigorously to fully coat. Set aside.
- Place pork loin in your pan making sure the fat side is up.
- Use a sharp knife to gently score the fat.
- Rub minced garlic into the loin; then sprinkle salt and pepper evenly over loin.
- Add onions and potatoes to the side of the pan.
- Place pan in center of the bottom rack of your oven and roast the pork loin for 75-85 minutes or until it has reached an internal temperature of 150-160 degrees.
- Remove from oven and let rest five minutes before serving.
- Yields: 12 servings.
Per Serving: 389 calories, 23g fat, 7.5g saturated fat, 9g carbohydrates, 218mg, sodium, 34g protein, 1g fiber
By Jean Ince
County Extension Agent - Staff Chair
The Cooperative Extension Service
U of A System Division of Agriculture
Media Contact: Jean Ince
County Extension Agent - Staff Chair
U of A Division of Agriculture
Cooperative Extension Service
421 N. Main St, Nashville AR 71852
(870) 845-7517
jince@uada.edu
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