EudoraNews.com

"I don't need a thing."

Five words that family members of senior citizens often hear at Christmastime.

Buying gifts for older adults presents unique challenges. Charlee Glinka of Eudora says that she knows that her father has reached the "no stuff point because he said so."

Being of Polish heritage, Glinka found him special Polish cups last year that were a hit but still doesn't know what to get this year.

"Trying to find something that doesn't take up space or doesn't react with medications is the problem," said Glinka, 55, "but I think that I'm the one that needs to change my way of looking at gifts."

Instead of things, she is thinking about the gift of time. "Perhaps having a special night of driving around looking at the Christmas lights and having time together would be what he would like."

Several older adults said that having the family together is a gift itself because it so rarely occurs. That was the answer Christine Parr gave immediately when asked what she wanted from Santa Claus this year.

Parr, 81, of Eudora, said that she really did not need anything "that could be bought" but knew that her children wanted to get her something. She suggested practical items such as a shawl with pockets or specially loved foods.

Arthur Burgess, 88, of Lawrence, said he wanted gift certificates but did not think that they would be considered by his children as "a big enough gift, but that's what I'd like, from Best Buy, for things for my computer."

Too often, presents that traditionally are associated with older adults are not on their list.

"I have enough scented lotion and powders to last for years" was a comment from a group of ladies that said that they would prefer items that they could use quickly or for a specific reason. Gift suggestions from seniors include gift certificates to favorite restaurants, hair salon or a grocery; tickets to the Community Theater, the Lied Center or sporting events; an I.O.U. for yard work, housework or time together; payment for a monthly housekeeper, cable sevice or for items that assist in daily activities, such as a hands-free can opener.

Choosing a gift for a senior may take some thought but actually listening to what is requested is the key. Finding a box to fit the favored gift of, "I just want us all to be happy and well" may prove difficult but it would be worth the effort.

- Pattie Johnston is a fellow of the Citizen Journalism Academy, which is sponsored by The World Company and Kansas University's William Allen White School of Journalism and Mass Communications.