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sure that an appropriate one is readily available. If the senior has a favorite vase, you can take it to the florist's and order a custom arrangement. Don't overlook the possibility of silk and other imitations. An artificial bonsai tree looks just as good as the real thing, and is much easier to care for.

Before you shop for a food gift, find out whether the intended recipient has diabetes, allergies, or other food restrictions. Does s/he have trouble chewing? Many seniors never adjust completely to their false teeth, and prefer food that can be gummed. Hearty home-made soups and ready-to-reheat meals might be more appreciated than fancy candy. For a special treat, arrange to cook their favorite meal.

If the elder is open to the idea of physical fitness, a hand-cycle, hand weights, stress balls, or chair-dancing video might inspire increased mobility. Someone who can only hobble might feel twenty years younger in runners with neon laces, a brightly-colored velour jogging suit or a snazzy headband.

Proud grandparents will enjoy Grandma and Grandpa-themed gifts, such as a mug or T-shirt that proclaims, Mothers know a lot; Grandmothers know everything! A photo shop can custom-make items such as tote bags, aprons, T-shirts, mouse pads, or calendars with family photos. If you have the appropriate computer soft-ware, you can create a personalized calendar with family birthdays, anniversaries, and other special dates. Another exciting gift is a digital photo frame which can be updated with new photos each year.

Many seniors experience vision problems. Menu readers and other magnifiers can be life-savers. A large-print book or magazine subscription might be welcome. Reader's Digest and Guideposts magazines both come in large-print editions. If reading has become difficult, explore the world of talking books. For a life-long a Scripture-reader, a large-print or talking Bible is a life-enhancing gift. For the hearing-impaired, consider cordless headphones to simplify TV-watching.

A self-powered light or wind-up radio would be welcome in a power failure, with no batteries to fuss with. Some rechargeable flashlights can be left plugged into the electrical outlet, and will turn on when the power fails. For the senior who is struggling with walkers, canes, or oxygen equipment, a headlamp is a good substitute for a standard flashlight.

Perhaps a little pampering is in order. A hairdo, manicure, pedicure, facial or massage can do wonders for morale. If transportation is not readily

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