Simple Ways to Improve the Life of an Aging Loved One

Tweet

 

The internet may seem like a foreign concept to some people’s parents or grandparents but if you take the time to hold their hand and show them that it’s not, you’ll be giving them a gift unlike they ever imagined. Along with some great gift ideas to help them overcome certain obstacles of aging, this quick list of ideas will surely make your loved one feeling young and back in control again, which is a pretty cool thing.

The Internet

My family recently gave my 82-year-old grandma a computer and set up an email account for her. She was confused at first and we took it slow, but once she realized the simplicity of email, she was ecstatic! The barrier of isolation was completely shattered; suddenly she was connected to her family, right at her fingertips.

Here are some other things you can show them to do on the internet!

Facebook – according to an article by Nobilis, over-65s are the fastest growing age group on Facebook. They can reconnect with past friends, meet new ones and see pictures of their families.

Shopping online – Set up an account on Amazon or EBAY for them, so they no longer feel hindered to shop because of limited mobility. Remember, you can buy virtually anything online now including books, retail, gifts, etc.

Skype – if both you and your loved one’s computers are equipped with built-in webcams you can Skype each other for free. I can’t even imagine the look on my grandma’s face as we talk face to face in real time over the internet!

Blogging – They may want to just connect, comment and read or maybe even become a blogger themselves. The featured bloggers below are by no means "old", but both are grandparents and thats something all grandparents can relate to!

• GaGa Sisterhood: This site is great for Grandmas to go, “Bond, Brag, and Benefit”. Author and creator Donne Davis does a wonderful job connecting and sharing stories from her life with other Grandmas that use the site. 

• NaNaHood: This blog by Teresa Bell Kindred is written with a fresh and modern spin on grandparenting and what it means to grow older and the joys that age brings in life. Its updated frequently and a good source for inspiration and ideas for grandparents.

• Here is a list of blogs about grandparenting, by and for grandparents.

These are suggestions and some might fit your loved one, others not so much. Look at it as a good way to spend time together; teaching them all the great ways they can spend time online. I think they’ll truly appreciate it, my grandma sure did (just look at my inbox for proof!).

Technology They'll Love

There are a number of great gifts that you can buy your loved ones that will significantly increase their quality of life if they are suffering from things like hearing loss, a decrease in mobility and other things that old age sometimes brings.

Do your parents or grandparents use the web? What sorts of things do they use it for? Comment below!