Seneca offers gift ideas for seniors

Seneca Area Agency on Aging have suggested a few ideas that may brighten the holiday for older or disabled family member, friend or neighbor.

? The gift of friendship: call, write, email and visit on a regular basis.

? For Iowans 60 or older, a week or monthly lunch ticket for congregate meals; check with the Fairfield Senior Center.

? A pedometer for measuring distance while walking or a walking stick to assist them.

? A ?coupon? redeemable for you to run errands with or for them a few times a month.

? A book of stamps and pre-addressed mailing labels to frequently mailed addresses.

? Tickets for two or a season pass to the theatre, a play, a movie or a concert ? include transportation.

? Pre-paid 10-15 bus ?tickets? for rides when they want them.

? A large-print magazine subscription, large print books, and/or audio books.

? Low-vision products, such as a large TV remote, magnifiers, large-print calendars, large-face playing cards, or large-button telephone.

? Install devices or home modifications to help prevent falls or accidents, such as hand rails.

? Gift certificates to grocery stores, restaurants, hair salon or barber.

? Gift certificate for monthly house cleaning.

? Offer to rake leaves, shovel snow, or mow the lawn on a regular basis throughout the year.

? Prepay their utility bill for a month.

? A gas card for travel or prepaid phone calling card for long-distance phone calls to family and friends.

? Calendar with family birthdays clearly marked.

? Cook extra meals and place in individual freezable containers.

? Wash their windows inside and out.

? Offer yourself as a willing, cheerful helper for the day to do chores ? change light bulbs, put a new battery in the smoke detector, change the furnace filter, etc.

? Install devices to prevent crime or vandalism, like deadbolts, door hole viewer or an alarm system.

? Arrange for energy saving improvements, like installing weather stripping, storm doors and windows.

? Deliver a fresh basket of seasonal fruit or healthy snacks in person a few times over the year.

? Give them the gift of taking them to breakfast or lunch once a month.

For information on senior concerns, call Seneca at 800-642-6522.