Perplexed about what to get the senior in your life this holiday season?

That older adult on your shopping list may well be facing two challenges: the economy that has seniors looking for basic items they can no longer afford and the loneliness that many seniors encounter because families may not be able to visit.

Many seniors, including those in care communities, could have no one to visit them during the holidays this year as families cut travel expenses and treasured family time. So the most valuable gift is companionship.

Here is  a gift guide of presents that seniors may not be able to afford, but that can bring families together.

1. A newspaper subscription — Some of your senior loved one’s fondest memories could revolve around life at the dinner table discussing the day’s events. A subscription to a newspaper can help them continue that tradition.

2. DVD player and favorite DVDs — A DVD player will help your older adult enjoy their favorite old movies. But it will be much more special if you bring the popcorn and make a night of it.

3. Tickets to a sporting event or play — What better treat than tickets for your senior loved one and the rest of the family to attend a play or favorite team event?

4. Scenic train or boat trip — Many communities have day excursions — such as scenic train or boat trips — which can serve as great incentives for seniors to get out and about.

5. A calendar — Create a calendar with activities that are going on in your family’s life so a senior can feel a part of them. Check online; there are many resources for personalizing calendars with family photos.

If you’re looking for other gift ideas, consider a homemade memories cookbook, which features family recipes and stories.

If you can’t be there with an older loved one, remember that the next best thing is the gift of companionship services.

Upcoming Events

Monday: Blood pressure checks, 9 a.m.; Naps, 9:30 a.m.; cards (Pinochle, Bridge), 12:30 p.m.

Tuesday: Silver Sneakers, 8:30 a.m.; Exercise with Evie, 9 a.m.; cards (Pinochle, Duplicate Bridge), 12:30 p.m., SilverSneakers, 4:30 p.m.; Movie, “It’s a Wonderful Life” 6 p.m.

Wednesday: Wood Carvers, 8:30 a.m.; Tai Chi 9:30 a.m.; Macular Degeneration Support Group, 10 a.m.; cards (Pinochle, Cribbage), 12:30 p.m.; Stitching Bees, 1 p.m.; open chess, 1 p.m.;

Thursday: Silver Sneakers, 8:30 a.m.; Exercise with Evie, 9 a.m.; Caregivers Support Group, 10 a.m.; cards (Pinochle, Duplicate Bridge), 12:30 p.m.; Silver Sneakers, 4:30 p.m.

Friday: Center closed

 Weekly Card Results

Monday Bridge

Dec. 5, two tables

1st Russ Vaale, 2nd Mabel Vaale, 3rd Lois Johnson, 4th Quentin Fiala, 5th Betty Jorgenson

Tuesday 500

Dec. 6, five tables

1st Dave Solomonson, 2nd Beulah Luthe, 3rd Marian Zimmerman, 4th Betty Fisher

Tuesday Afternoon Bridge

Dec. 6, 4.5 tables

1st Jim Fisher, 1st Bud Higgins; 2nd Vande Newman, 2nd Steve Howard; 3rd Bill Meyer, 3rd Dick Titus; 4th Russ Vaale; 4th Mabel Vaale, 5th Ray Schmidt, 5th Gail Schmidt.

Friday Bridge

Dec. 9, three tables

1st Betty Jorgenson, 2nd Mary Johnson, 3rd Arnie Lang, 4th Loretta Nelson, 5th Lois Johnson

Pinochle

Hilton Henschen, Dave Solomonson

Weekly 500

Dec. 9, five tables

1st Dennis Bray, 2nd Wayne Chilson, 3rd Helen Broitzman, 4th Barb Dickman

Weekly Cribbage

Dec. 7, 3.5 tables

1st Mercedes Nordstrom, 2nd Lottie Siera, 3rd Mabel Vaale

Semcac Daily Meals

Monday: Meatloaf

Tuesday: Ham. Alt: Turkey roast

Wednesday: Roast beef

Thursday: Chicken breast

Friday: Center closed