With the holiday season fast approaching, it’s time finish purchasing gifts for your loved ones. Of course, sometimes that can be easier said than done. What can you do if you have a senior relative who is tricky to shop for? Have you ever considered healthy holiday gifts?

Well, one place to start would be with healthful gifts. No matter how many material possessions we have (or don’t have), better health is something we all can use. For the seniors in your life, a gift that promotes better health may also help keep them safe and independent, two qualities of life that are valued by aging adults.

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Consider Healthy Holiday Gifts this Year

If our loved ones are interested in getting healthy, they may feel overwhelmed or uncertain about where to start. If they have weak balance or are recovering from an accident or surgery, they may be worried about possible falls or injuries. At the same time, those who are already struggling to make ends meet or are dealing with addiction or mental health issues may not have the money (or the energy) for a gym membership.

One way you can help your senior loved one feel better is by gifting them healthy holiday gifts this year. From improving their balance to help prevent falls to reducing arthritis symptoms through movement classes, there are plenty of thoughtful, and healthy holiday gifts you can purchase for the seniors in your life this upcoming holiday season.

If you’re still unsure what to get your loved one, here are some healthy gift ideas:

Tai Chi and Qi Gong Classes

The ancient Chinese arts of T’ai-chi ch’uan (Tai Chi for short) and Qi Gong are slow, meditative movement practices that might be the closest thing to a real-life “fountain of youth.” Studies have shown these practices are excellent for building balance, preventing mental illnesses, and recovering from a variety of injuries. For aging adults, it can play a role in fall prevention. Why not gift your loved one a class card or gift certificate with a reputable local instructor?

Home Fitness Equipment

Visiting a local gym and exercising in front of strangers can be a daunting experience for seniors if it is even physically possible for them at all. Simple and safe at-home exercises may be a better option for our aging loved ones. Contrary to popular belief, you don’t really need that many pieces of fitness equipment to work out from the comfort of your own home.

Some pieces of equipment that work well for seniors include:

Resistance Bands – Resistance bands are one of the easiest and most versatile pieces of fitness equipment. They are lightweight and can be easily packed into a purse or luggage. They are also a good option for beginners or those who want a good workout without having to use dumbbells and barbells. This makes them a great option for seniors.
Foam Rollers – Massage balls or foam rollers can be used to gently stretch the body and relieve aches and pains. Safe and easy for seniors to use, these simple devices can promote relaxation and are great to use before or after a workout.
Exercise Balls or a Bosu Trainer – Falls are the leading cause of injury among people over 65, the CDC says. Luckily, building balance and strengthening leg muscles can help protect your loved one from falls and injuries. In addition to resistance bands and Tai Chi or Qi Gong classes, you might also consider purchasing an exercise ball or Bosu balance trainer for your loved one.

Staying healthy is of particular importance to our senior loved ones as they age. Healthy holiday gifts empower them to remain independent by taking their health into their own hands. Gift ideas such as the ones listed above can help prevent falls, improve mobility, and may even lead to an increased lifespan. Of course, the greatest gift of all is showing your loved one that you care about them this holiday season.

Author: Hazel Bridges

After overcoming breast cancer at age 60, Hazel vowed to never waste another second. Every day, she challenges herself to live life to the fullest and wants to inspire other folks her age to do so as well. You can find her over at AgingWellness

Images: Pixabay