Halloween Activities For the Elderly with Alzheimer
It's the time of year when we dress up in costumes and go door-to-door collecting candy, or just stay at home and watch horror movies. But what if you're not a young adult anymore?
What if you're a senior who wants to celebrate Halloween with your friends, but feels like you don't have the energy to go out trick-or-treating? Don't worry—there are plenty of fun ways to enjoy Halloween without going overboard on the candy (or even leaving your house).
Halloween is here!
5 Halloween Activities of Seniors
The Halloween season is upon us, and if you're a senior or are caring for one, you may be looking for fun ways to enjoy the holiday. Here's a list of Halloween-themed activities that seniors and their caregivers can enjoy together!
- Host a Halloween-Themed Movie Marathon
If your elderly loved one loves movies, then this is the perfect activity for them. Start off with a classic like The Wizard of Oz or Casper, then proceed to newer films like Hocus Pocus and Goosebumps. Be sure to include some spooky movies as well.
It's best to choose movies that are appropriate for all ages, so make sure there are no scary scenes or violence. If your senior loved one lives with others who aren't interested in watching movies during Halloween, don't worry! You can still find other ways to keep them entertained.
- Halloween Crafts
Halloween crafts are one of the best ways for seniors to enjoy the holiday. Many crafts provide an opportunity for seniors to exercise their minds while creating something beautiful and useful at the same time.
Some simple Halloween crafts include making paper ghosts, wreaths or other decorations out of construction paper; writing or drawing spooky messages on black construction paper; making pumpkin or face masks using colored construction paper; cutting out pictures from magazines and gluing them onto cardboard or poster board, or making hand puppets out of old socks.
- Themed Treats
Halloween isn't just about trick-or-treating anymore — it's also about making themed treats. For example, you can make mummy pizzas or mummy fondue dip by wrapping cheese around pieces of bread before baking them in the oven. Other options include making spider cupcakes or Frankenstein sandwiches on white bread with melted cheese as the filling. If your senior doesn't like eating sweets, try making rice krispie treats shaped like pumpkins or ghosts!
- Costumes
One of the best parts of Halloween is dressing up like someone else — even if it's just for an hour or two. Seniors who live alone often have plenty of time to prepare their costumes, but if not, it's easy enough to borrow one from one of their family members or friends. Even if your senior doesn't want to wear a costume this year, he can still decorate his home with fun decorations that match his theme!
- Have a Spooky Stories Contest
If your senior loved ones have been telling stories about ghosts, goblins and witches for years, gather them all together for an evening of scary tales. Set up a table with pens and paper so everyone can write their own spooky story or poem. Whoever tells the scariest tale wins!
Halloween is always fun, but it can be more enjoyable for older people if you help them prepare in advance. So this time, when you organize a Halloween party or event, be sure to consider these preparations.
We hope you enjoyed these ideas for Halloween activities for seniors. We're sure you'll agree that there are so many fun things to do when you're retired, and there are no limits to how much fun you can have. At Village Green, we want your retirement to be full of joy and laughter, so we plan great activities for our residents so they can spend their days doing what they love without having to worry about transportation or crowds. If you or someone you know is looking for a great place to live in the comfort of home, please contact us today!