Recently, I was the recipient of two memorable gifts. The first came from a lady who I mentored more than 25 years ago.

She was from humble means but ambitious and bright. I often spoke encouraging words in her ear. She took those words to heart, worked hard at the professional accountancy examinations and achieved ACCA qualification. Some months ago, she gifted me a few days of relaxation at the Bahia Principe Grand Jamaica to say thanks for the part I played in her personal and professional development. I enjoyed playing tourist in my own country, taking full advantage of the resort’s luxurious amenities.

The second memorable gift came from one of my Calabar students of the 1970s. He lost his father as a child, and his mother died when he turned 16. Then orphaned, he decided to drop out of school. Noting his absence, I went to his community to find him and ascertained what was happening in his life. Through my intervention, he found a loving foster mother who provided the safe and supportive home he needed at the time. He continued his education and achieved his full potential.

For my 75th birthday this summer, he said “thanks” in a big way, gifting me a seven-day Alaskan cruise followed by three weeks of fun and frolic in the city of Seward, Alaska, where he resides. I had an exciting time on this Alaskan adventure — embarking on my first cruise, witnessing glaciers, wildlife, and snow-capped mountains in the middle of summer, watching the antics of marine creatures I never knew existed, being schooled in the cultural significance of the totem poles, murals and other artistic displays littering the streets of major Alaskan cities. All these provided a rich educational experience of immeasurable value.

I recount these two gifts to highlight the extraordinary value of gifting a senior experiences rather than more stuff. While gift-giving for seniors of traditional presents like sweaters, books, lamps, candlestick holders, perfumes and knick-knacks can be thoughtful, they lead to an accumulation of stuff we may not necessarily need or want. Many older individuals feel overwhelmed by the sheer volume of stuff in their homes. As we age, our priorities shift from acquiring more stuff to cherishing experiences and meaningful connections. More and more we begin to realise that what truly matters are the memories created, the relationships cemented and the quality time spent with family and friends. In response to this shift in priorities, younger generations should start embracing experience-based gifting to bring greater joy to the lives of seniors.

What would some of these gifts look like?

Wellness and relaxation: A spa day, weekend getaway or wellness retreat to promote relaxation and well-being or a professional photoshoot to celebrate our inner and outer beauty and boost our self-confidence as we age.

Learning experiences: In-person or online courses in our passions, special interests or hobbies to provide intellectual stimulation and rejuvenate the mind and spirit.

Entertainment events: Tickets to concerts, plays and other cultural events or subscriptions to services that provide quality entertainment and enable us to continue enjoying the activities that our now frugal means might not permit.

Road trips: Leisurely drives to explore the countryside, visit attractions or trace family roots to towns where we once lived, providing opportunities for multi-generational family bonding through shared adventures.

Ongoing transportation: A willingness to transport seniors to and from the various activities organised by churches and social groups in which we hold membership, enabling those who are not mobile to socialise and remain active.

We are currently observing Senior Citizens’ Month in Jamaica. Christmas is fast approaching. I would urge younger relatives to opt for gifting us experiences rather than more stuff to increase the clutter in our homes. Experiences create memories. Memories become a source of nostalgia and happiness. These will undoubtedly raise the quality of our senior years from ordinary to extraordinary.

— Patricia Reid-Waugh is author of the books Retirement A New Adventure and Retirement: The Journey and The Destination.