gift: books or subscriptions for Smithsonian fan?
December 12, 2023 11:03 AM Subscribe
Looking for holiday gifts for a friend in his 90s with increasing issues with attention span and eyestrain. He loves Smithsonian magazine and classical music (especially opera).
He also loves sudoku but, after working up to the quite challenging ones, is finding both the eyestrain and concentration have made them less of an option.
He doesn't have a smartphone and I don't think physical media (CDs or DVDs) are a great fit for him.
I'm hoping for something like:
* other magazines with the same great content as Smithsonian
* books with similar content but maybe 1-2 page chapters? and maybe large print?
* any other ideas for things that would be enjoyable for a smart, science-and-engineering oriented older person with an engaged mind but visual and concentration difficulties
Thanks!
He also loves sudoku but, after working up to the quite challenging ones, is finding both the eyestrain and concentration have made them less of an option.
He doesn't have a smartphone and I don't think physical media (CDs or DVDs) are a great fit for him.
I'm hoping for something like:
* other magazines with the same great content as Smithsonian
* books with similar content but maybe 1-2 page chapters? and maybe large print?
* any other ideas for things that would be enjoyable for a smart, science-and-engineering oriented older person with an engaged mind but visual and concentration difficulties
Thanks!
Nautilus Magazine print edition is lovely and has similar topics to the Smithsonian Magazine.
posted by ichimunki at 12:15 PM on December 12, 2023 [1 favorite]
posted by ichimunki at 12:15 PM on December 12, 2023 [1 favorite]
If he does desk top computers or tablets and it is appropariate for his abilities, Metropolitan Opera has an on-demand service that can be either monthly or annual and includes select operas and stories about them. Or perhaps their membership with its regular magazines or other gift item might fit?
posted by beaning at 12:45 PM on December 12, 2023
posted by beaning at 12:45 PM on December 12, 2023
not sure if it's within your budget but maybe a grace digital radio that you take the time to pre-program with 5-10 classical/opera stations?
posted by wowenthusiast at 1:43 PM on December 12, 2023
posted by wowenthusiast at 1:43 PM on December 12, 2023
Atlas Obscura. The book.
posted by ixipkcams at 9:38 PM on December 12, 2023 [1 favorite]
posted by ixipkcams at 9:38 PM on December 12, 2023 [1 favorite]
My step-dad is 86 and enjoys his lifetime library of Scientific Americans still. It's pretty technical and doesn't come in large print but they have digital subscriptions if he uses a tablet or computer.
posted by fiercekitten at 9:40 PM on December 12, 2023
posted by fiercekitten at 9:40 PM on December 12, 2023
If he uses a computer, it’s worth looking into accessible features that make enlargement and reducing eye strain the default settings, especially if he has a decent sized monitor/screen.
For opera, he might enjoy exploring the Aria podcast.
We have a local independent movie theater (Charles in Baltimore) that has Met Opera screenings on some Saturday afternoons, tickets are $24 for Nabucco on 1/6, Carmen on 1/2, etc., perhaps this might be happening at a theater somewhere near your friend that can morph into a gift idea?
posted by childofTethys at 1:59 AM on December 13, 2023
For opera, he might enjoy exploring the Aria podcast.
We have a local independent movie theater (Charles in Baltimore) that has Met Opera screenings on some Saturday afternoons, tickets are $24 for Nabucco on 1/6, Carmen on 1/2, etc., perhaps this might be happening at a theater somewhere near your friend that can morph into a gift idea?
posted by childofTethys at 1:59 AM on December 13, 2023
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posted by blueskies at 11:44 AM on December 12, 2023