Safe Holiday Shopping Tips For Seniors

Holiday gift shopping at malls, stores, and online can be a fun activity for seniors. While gift shopping for friends and loved ones can be an enjoyable experience, it can also be fraught with danger because of criminals and scammers who prey upon older adults during the holiday season. Here are some tips on how to keep you and your money safe while gift shopping during this festive time of the year:
Be cautious and aware when shopping online. Major online retainers such as Amazon, Walmart, and Target are diligent about website security and continually monitor their sites for fraud. Unfortunately, scammers build websites that clone the major retailers and are nothing more than a trap for unsuspecting shoppers. Make sure that the websites you shop on use .com or .net domains and that the website begins with “https” in their URL. These sites are typically safe but if you notice any other additional wording such as “login.site”, “.app” or misspellings like “Amaz0n.com”, then chances are good that scammers are hard at work trying to trick you out of your money.
Visit malls or stores at times best suitable for senior shoppers. Try to avoid large crowds or shopping late at night. It is easier to have your wallet pickpocketed or purse stolen when trying to maneuver through large groups of shoppers, so avoid crowded shopping days whenever possible. Shopping late in the evening can also pose a risk because parking lots are dark and foot traffic sparse which are ideal conditions for criminal activity. Many retailers and malls have designated hours for senior shoppers, so it is wise to call ahead and plan your trips at the safest hours.
Protect your personal belongings. Make sure that your personal belongings such as your wallet, purse, cell phone, and car keys are always secured on you. Front inside pockets are ideal for wallets and always carry purses close to your body zipped or latched closed so no one can reach in without you knowing.
Make holiday gift shopping a social activity. Criminals often target seniors who venture out alone because they are easier to victimize. To avoid this risk, consider inviting family members or friends to tag along with you when you shop. They can help keep you company, carry your bags, and even suggest great gift ideas that will make your outing more enjoyable.
Make smart transportation choices. Highways and store parking lots can be hectic during the holiday season, so consider carpooling or using a rideshare service rather than operating your own vehicle. Rideshare companies are great for older adults with mobility issues because you get the convenience of affordable door-to-door pickup and drop off service.
Be mindful of your physical limitations. Many older adults deal with chronic physical conditions and illnesses that can be aggravated by a shopping trip. If you need to manage your sugar levels, monitor yourself periodically. If you are taking medications, make sure you have whatever is needed with you while you shop so that your dosage is correct and on time. Remember to drink plenty of water and even bring along a bottle to carry with you as you shop to prevent becoming dehydrated.
Make periodic rest stops. Holiday gift shopping can be exhausting, so stop occasionally to rest your feet, catch your wind, and have something to eat or drink when needed. Make sure you are well rested before venturing out and if you are not feeling your best, reschedule your trip for another time or day as a precaution.
Do not stress about gifts. The holiday season should be a fun, festive time so do not stress about gift shopping. If you are living on a limited, fixed income, shop within your budget. You might also consider changing the gift giving traditions in your family to something you and others will find more affordable and practical such as a grab bag option. The more you minimize the stress of the holiday season, the happier it will be for everyone involved.
Be prepared for the unexpected. Pay attention to the weather reports so that Mother Nature does not surprise you in unpleasant ways. Never go out without your cell phone fully charged in case you need to make an emergency call. If you have an illness or injury that could be a concern, having a portable medic alert system can be a life saver.
The holiday season can be a wondrous time for seniors and their families to gather together, share gifts, and rekindle warm memories. If you follow these simple tips on shopping safely, this can be a season everyone will remember for all the right reasons.