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50+ Little Kindnesses

What to do for them . . . Schedule regular phone calls to say, “I just want to say hello.” Send post card from anywhere you go – even airports. Share a home-made dessert or a pot of soup. Take them to the library to check out large print or audio books. Send a birthday card. Teach him or her how to use the computer and send an e-mail. Take them to the local senior or recreation center. Offer to oversee installation of a major appliance. Have the oil changed in their car. Offer to take some clutter to the landfill. Offer to clean a room in their house. Help them purchase needed items, i.e. a mattress, chair, couch, TV. Help them negotiate with home repair and lawn service companies. Stop by with your dog. Send them movies on DVDs or VHS tapes. Send flowers or a fruit basket. Give a hand massage. Write a poem and read it to them. Read a book out loud in person, over the phone, or into a tape recorder. Send a “thinking of you” card. Write letters for them. Run errands. Set up a grocery delivery account. Offer handyman services. Cut their grass and rake leaves for them.

Offer a ride to a doctor or dental appointment. Send them a personalized calendar with reminders of holidays, family member’s birthdays, and anniversaries. Offer a manicure. Plant a window box of flowers outside their window. Mount a bird feeder near their window. Offer or give a gift card for a massage. Assist to clean their eyeglasses. Give a compliment. Offer to drop them off and pick them up so they can participate in day excursions offered by recreation center. What to do with them . . . Grocery shop together. Share jokes. Show an older adult how to connect with their grandkids on Facebook. Go for a walk. Share current events. Watch a classic movie together. Bring a treat to share and watch a TV show together. Take them out to eat at their favorite restaurant. Stop by with guilty pleasures such as chocolate, candy bars, cheesecake. Sit together at the kitchen table or fireplace and reminisce over a cup of hot chocolate. Get a pedicure together. Bake a cake together. Ask about their former work life and really listen.

Bring over your children in their Halloween costumes. Share a recipe. Sing songs. Take them to their church, synagogue or temple. Go to a sporting event together. Invite them to dinner. Bring over a craft project to work on together. Take them to a flea market, antique shop, craft fair, museum, or farmer’s market. Go for a drive to see fall colors/spring flowers. Volunteer together. Celebrate their accomplishments. Console and comfort them. Take them out to dance. Take them to high school theater or musical performances. Take them to Old Towne Alexandria or Occoquan to wander through little shops and have lunch. How to do it . . . Always address formally (example, Mrs. Smith, Dr. Jones) until invited to use their first name. When appropriate, hold their hand or touch their arm as you ask how their day went. Encourage reminiscence about old times, traditions, and childhood memories. Share your ups and downs and ask for advice. Acknowledge their wisdom.