| Recent research, by Professor Karen Manfinger | | | | for all the things she does want to keep from the |
| of Purdue University, found that like Camembert, | | | | last 75 years! |
| fine wine and certain male celebrities, family | | | | So what might she enjoy? Well it probably won't |
| relationships greatly improve with age. As adults | | | | come as a massive surprise when I say "just the |
| many of us celebrate this closeness by spoiling | | | | same things that ladies of 35, 45, 55, 65 years of |
| our Mums,Grandmas and aunties etc. by sending | | | | age enjoy, things that make her feel special and |
| them gifts and treats, payback time for when | | | | pampered but with a few extra considerations. |
| they treated us to an extra ice-cream or bag of | | | | Necklaces and bracelets mustn't have fiddly clasps |
| sweets when we were the tiny "apple of their | | | | that involve the lady needing to ask for help to |
| eye". | | | | do up - what about one with magnetic, healing |
| But what gifts to choose? Many of us (especially | | | | qualities that can help with joint pain and stiffness, |
| men) struggle with this, even more so when the | | | | raised blood pressure etc. Before buying earrings |
| lady in question is "past the first flush of youth"! | | | | check that she has pierced ears, many older |
| Whilst most older ladies would be delighted you'd | | | | ladies prefer clip-on earrings and make sure you |
| cared enough to send any gift it's a special feeling | | | | choose a pretty, classic style. Clothes should be |
| when you've chosen something she'll be thrilled | | | | cut to fit a mature figure and older ladies do like |
| with. | | | | them to have pockets, clothing should also be |
| Sometimes it's easier to talk about what might | | | | easy-care and machine washable. Bags, no tiny |
| not make a great gift. There are many great gift | | | | fashion purses please. A lightweight bag that will |
| websites out there offering all sorts of | | | | hold a newspaper, spectacles, knitting project etc. |
| "must-have" things but does Great Aunt Sarah | | | | would be very much appreciated. |
| living in Resthaven Home for Retired Gentlefolk | | | | For a few more lovely ideas why not visit a |
| really want/need that crazy gift you covet from | | | | specialised on-line store. Some stores will have put |
| Freddie'sFunFactory? No, then would she like a big | | | | together a site dedicated to suitable gifts. Each |
| bouquet of flowers? Possibly, but you might feel | | | | product will have unique features that make them |
| like being a bit more original, plus flowers will only | | | | ideal for older ladies. For example, necklaces that |
| last about 24 hours in her snug, centrally heated | | | | fasten magnetically or go straight over the head |
| home. Chocolates /wine - her Doctor,mindful of | | | | eliminating the need for fiddly clasps and beautiful |
| her health would probably say "No thank-you". | | | | bags ideal for mature "ladies who lunch". With |
| And, certainly no ornaments or trinkets, dear | | | | National Grandparent's Day coming up on Sunday |
| Great Aunt Sarah has probably just de-cluttered | | | | 3rd October there really is no better time to spoil |
| and down-sized and now she's barely got room | | | | your special senior relative. |