Presents to help elderly stay healthy.

Finding the perfect holiday present rarely is easy, especially when it's for an elderly relative or friend who seems to have acquired almost everything imaginable. Perhaps the best way to indicate to older adults how much you care would be a gift that will help them stay healthy, suggest experts at University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics.

"Choosing healthful gifts shows you are interested in someone's well-being," indicates Barb King, a geriatric nurse practitioner. They also can show a lot of creativity on the part of the giver.

One of the most popular healthful gifts is a membership in a fitness class. The American Heart Association list physical inactivity as a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. If an older adult agrees to join an exercise program, make sure he or she first receives a physician's evaluation, advises Tricia Crinkley, outreach and senior programs coordinator at the hospital's Sports Medicine Center. In addition to testing for over-all health, the doctor may uncover a condition that could affect an exercise regimen, such as high blood pressure. In addition, be sure to choose exercise facilities staffed by professionals trained in the special needs of older adults.

Food is another welcome gift, especially because many older adults are on tight budgets. Look for healthy, tasty foods such as breads and fruits, suggests nutritionist Donna Weihofen. In addition, select items that contain little or no salt because it can exacerbate high blood pressure. About 3-4,000,000 Americans over age 60 have hypertension, which can lead to heart attacks, strokes, and other serious health problems.

Other practical gift ideas for older adults include:

For the home: Many seniors lack the strength or mobility to winterize their homes. Consider an insulation check, which might include installing storm windows, weatherstripping the windows, and buying draft stoppers for the door.

If your elderly friend or relative uses a fireplace or woodburning stove, ensure that it is operating safely, then have some chopped wood delivered and stacked in a safe, accessible spot.

For the outdoors: Snow and ice are particularly...