Top ten gift ideas for senior citizens

Got some last-minute shopping to do? I thought I'd share excerpts from this 2006 article from Anna Swan - these are still great ideas for 2012!

Also - I recommend Gold Violin to shop for seniors all year 'round. They have great products for independent living.

1.  Medical emergency notification system - For an elderly loved one who lives alone or in an isolated location, Life Alert, MedScope, or LifeLine is not only a wonderful gift - it could save a life! In some cases the cost my be completely covered by Medicare.

2.  Large-button cell phone - These large button cells such as the Jitterbug, make calling easier for the senior citizen, with a lighted display, large buttons, speed dialing, caller ID on a large visual display, and all the functions of a standard cell phone.

3.  Pre-paid pet exercising services - These services are especially appreciated during winter months and the heat of the summer when walking a pet may be dangerous for senior citizens.

4.  In-home hair appointment - Check with local barbers and hair dressers to see who will do in-home hair grooming for the elderly. You can pre-pay for the service and arrange the in-home appointment.

5.  Pre-paid lawn mowing - Call a local landscaper or lawn care professional and pre-pay for a season of general lawn care. This is also a service that is greatly appreciated in extremely hot summer months!

6.  Large-faced electric wall clock - As we age, our eye sight sometimes diminishes. Digital clocks can be confusing and hard to set. An electric clock has no battery to replace, and is easy to see from some distance.

7.  Flashing light doorbell or telephone - Designed primarily for the hearing-impaired, these devices can also benefit an elderly loved one who may not always hear the doorbell or the telephone ring.

8.  Large-button universal TV remote - As electronics strive to become smaller and smaller, they get increasingly harder for the elderly to use.

9.  Lap table - These tables (like the ones for laptop users) can be very handy for the elderly to eat meals on, keep track of things such as the cordless telephone, TV remote, and eye glasses.

10.  Zippered clothing with large zipper pulls - As we age, buttons and snaps may become increasingly harder to open and close. You can find large zipper pulls in the sewing section of most large craft or department stores.