Everyday life is hectic and stressful. There's very little free time and the time we do have is spread thinly between so many commitments. So visiting an elderly relative, neighbour or friend sometimes falls to the wayside. But for someone who's not so busy, who has nothing but time on their hand, trust me, it makes a world of difference.

My grandparents are long gone but I have an great aunt in a nursing home a 40-minute drive from my house. She has advanced dementia but she's still mostly aware of what's going on around her. I visit her once a week and always find her in the same position -- slumped over, looking older than her 89 years. It breaks my heart. But when I peer into her cloudy eyes, and I see that flicker of recognition, her entire face lights up. I always ask her how she is and the answer is usually the same: "Everything is better now that you're here." When I've told her all the news and neither of us can think of anything else to say, we sit in silence and that's ok. My presence makes her day.

This Christmas, give the gift that money can't buy: you, if only for a few moments. For the elderly person in your life, offer to shovel their snow, help organize their photos, cook them a meal or simply visit with them. It will make a world of difference.

For more ideas of what you can do for the senior in your life, click here.