The lights have been strung, and the holiday window displays have been unveiled. Now that the holiday season is upon us, it’s time to start thinking about gift ideas for your loved ones. When it comes to shopping for the seniors in your life, consider their individual needs and seek out items that are user-friendly (avoid any added stress!) and that will benefit them mentally or physically—making it a gift that keeps on giving.
Here are some of the latest and greatest gadgets to consider for the seniors in your life that don’t require tech-savviness.
- Amazon Echo Dot with Alexa: Get the latest news, find out who won the big game, or get the weather forecast with Amazon’s most compact speaker and virtual assistant, Alexa. Just ask a question, and Alexa will do the rest.
- Apple iPad: The Apple iPad is easy to use (and read) and has a wide selection of useful and health-oriented apps for seniors. It also enables your loved one to stay connected to family and friends through FaceTime.
- Amazon Kindle Paperwhite: This eReader puts the latest New York Times Best Sellers right at a book lover’s fingertips. It’s waterproof, has a screen that automatically adjusts indoors and outdoors, and offers a variety of font sizes, making it easy on the eyes.
- Karaoke Machine: It’s true. Music heals all. Allow the performer in your life to show off their talents with karaoke. Research shows that karaoke can improve frontal executive cognitive skills and respiratory function and reduce stress. It’s also a fun activity for socializing with family and friends.
- Fitbit Charge 5: Make it easy for the seniors in your life to stay on top of their fitness and health goals with a wearable fitness tracker. The Fitbit Charge 5 offers many beneficial features for seniors, including a built-in GPS, blood oxygen monitoring, and an app that assesses heart rhythm irregularity. It can last up to seven days without needing to be charged.
- Weighted Blanket: Help ease the tossing and turning by purchasing a weighted blanket. Weighted blankets help to reduce anxiety, alleviate depression, and improve sleep quality, offering seniors the restorative sleep their bodies require. The blankets also help with restless leg syndrome and agitation and will allow your loved one to stay cozy all winter long.
- Ring Video Doorbell: The Ring Video Doorbell provides peace of mind for seniors who want to see who is at the front door without getting up. With a two-way intercom, seniors can communicate right from their seats, allowing those with mobility issues to remain secure.
- iRobot Roomba: A robot that will do the vacuuming for you? Yes, please. Household chores can be daunting as we age, but the Roomba takes away the physical stress of lugging a heavy vacuum around the house and the tripping hazard that comes with extension cords. The Roomba allows seniors to put their feet up, relax, and have sparkling clean floors.
Whatever gadget you choose to give your loved one, consider including a brief yet sincere handwritten note. Everyone appreciates a heartfelt sentiment—especially around the holidays. It’s quite possible that your letter may become more of a treasure to your loved one than the gadget.