Grandma never can get that jar of strawberry jam open and granddad can't seem to remember when he last took which pill.

Aunt Jessie spends hours doing needlepoint but could move a lot faster if she could see it better. And then there's Uncle Charles who needs a cane sometimes and sometimes needs a chair.

Finding healthy, useful gifts for aging relatives can be a challenge, but there's a new addition to the Macon Mall that offers unique ideas.

Health-conscious shoppers should check out the Mature Mart kiosk near JC Penny's and the food court. It has, among many other choices, pill sorters marked by the day of the week, crafter's magnifying glasses to enlarge detail work and a folding chair with a wide-seat and non-slip feet.

All these gifts and scores more to help seniors or people with disabilities and special needs are available for under $40.

Manager Jane Pool and owner/founder Julie Alexis Abramson have stocked the kiosk with an assortment of gifts from recreational items to devices to, for example, help open jars or pop top cans, reach a zipper in the back of your dress, or button your shirt with ease.

The Mature Mart opened as an Internet shopping service in October 1995, and was one of the nation's first shopping companies for products designed exclusively for senior adults and the disabled. The free-standing mall cart, which opened Sept. 26, was the first company-owned kiosk.

Although its headquarters are in Atlanta, Abramson grew up in Macon and chose to pilot this division of her blossoming business here.

"We have over 20,000 products geared toward making older and disabled people feel less dependent," said Abramson, who has worked as director of senior centers and has a master's degree in gerontology.

"I have a great affinity for older adults. I wanted to gather products I felt would help these people. It was an opportunity to fulfill my passion and fill a real niche."

The response has been good.

"People say they have never seen some of the products," Abramson said. "We get a lot of people looking for something different and some looking for things to help an older person when they can't be with them. It's exciting to me to educate people in what's available."

The store even has thermal gift baskets directed to seniors who enjoy cookin, gardening, traveling or some special event.

Those age 60 and over get a 10 percent discount at the kiosk on Fridays. Or, you can order from the company catalog, through the Internet or give a gift certificate.

Her most popular items are a folding cane ($22.95), a swivel seat to help getting out of a car ($35.80) and the crafter's magnifier ($15.95).

Other time and hassle savers available at this new, small store include:

• A line of eating utensils and kitchen products with over-sized handles and non-slide bottoms.
• An easy-to-read travel atlas.
• Garden tools with easy-grip handles.
• Big-number thermometers, alarm clocks and playing cards, and alarm clocks that vibrate to awaken a person with a hearing problem.
• Long-handled items such as a shoe horn or back scratcher for hard-to-reach places.
• Tools to make turning door knobs and water faucets easier.
• A vacuum feeding cup with a spill-proof device and button controls for the liquid flow for people who can't raise their heads to drink.

"Our products are universally designed things to make life easier and safer," says Abramson. And a quick stop by the Mature Mart may make last-minute shopping a bit easier, too.