Gifting the elderly with technology.

• Position: Presents

Some--but not all--older adults are behind the times when it comes to technology, so technology gifts need some special consideration. "Sometimes, what we see as a means of supporting or encouraging improvement might appear threatening to an older individual," points out Lesa Huber, an aging and technology specialist in the School of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation at Indiana University, Bloomington. As an example, someone might want to give their loved one an electric cognitive game because they reed that it can help prevent Alzheimer's disease, but the gift receiver might actually be afraid to play it out of fear that her memory is slipping more than she thought.

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"We tend to have a perceived notion of usefulness," Huber notes. "It's best to find out what they are interested in and don't just think about what you think they need." Huber and Sherill York, executive director of IU's National Center on Accessibility, offer these suggestions:

* Do not just hand the individual a technology gift and leave; explain how to use it. "Give the gift of your own time," Huber urges. Even if you think the technology you purchased is self-explanatory, take the time to explain how to use...