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Nourishing Relationships

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How Sandwiched Boomers Can Give and Get the Gift of Health


Americans are busy spending well over $26 billion on gift cards this holiday season.  
And, just when you thought you'd heard it all, here comes the idea of a medical gift card.  
With the holidays literally right around the corner and your stress level high, it may be 
exactly what the doctor ordered.  

This unique card is being issued by Visa and the targeted audience is the Sandwiched Boomers.  
They are the ones buying presents for parents who have increasing health needs.  They're also 
looking to gift their emerging adult children who are at college or living on their own and 
concerned about their fitness.  The gift can be used toward a variety of health related 
services - prescription co-pays, medical or dental visits, contact lenses, even some wellness 
programs, elective surgery and gym memberships. 

We know that you're trying to maintain a life in balance while still honoring the complexity 
of Christmas/Hanukah/Kwanzaa.  Try to understand what it is about the holiday that is most 
meaningful to you.  Then decide to focus on what you want to do, not on what you have to do.  
Let this time of year be a major step toward taking care of your own needs.  As you begin to 
lay the groundwork for change in your gift giving rituals, treat yourself to better health by 
keeping your stress in check. 

1.	Ask for what you need.  Pronounce the Christmas meal potluck and don't feel guilty about it.  
If they want to, let your family help with the dishes after the holiday dinner.  Accept your friend's 
offer to bring an appetizer, or even the main course, to the New Year's Eve party.  They'll all be 
glad to play a more active role and you'll have the time and energy to participate in the festivities.
  
2.	Give yourself a break.  Arrange for your out of town guests to stay in a hotel; it actually may 
be a relief for all of you, and the beginning of a welcome new holiday tradition.  Instead of worrying 
about all the desserts you've eaten, use that energy for a brisk walk in the park.  Or pay off some debt 
rather than taking the family on an expensive outing; they will understand and grow from the experience.  

3.	Find emotional support.  With the challenges of college age children coming home, integrating new 
in-laws into the family unit and caring for the growing needs of your parents - take a breather and 
call a friend.  Share your feelings about what's going on with your family - relish in getting it off
your chest, gaining some positive feedback or having a good laugh together.

Receive, from yourself, a virtual stress-free voucher and relax into the idea of some peace of mind.  
As a remedy for the frustration of product recalls and the mall mob scene, make this the season to give 
the gift of wellness to your family members.  It's a present that is sure to fit and will let others know
how much you care.  For that special someone who has everything or the hard-to-buy-for one on your shopping 
list, it's the perfect idea.  And your contribution will help your loved ones stay healthy in the New Year. 



© 2007, Her Mentor Center

 

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(c) HerMentorCenter, 2008.  All rights reserved.  The above
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