In a little more than two weeks, Halloween will be here! The yearly event that is comprised of costume wearing, spooky decorations, pumpkin carving and trick or treating is enjoyed by people of all ages. Yes, that includes senior citizens. You may not necessarily think that older adults are interested in partaking in Halloween activities. But why wouldn’t they be? There are many different ways to help seniors to have a happy Halloween.
Play some Halloween games.
Caregivers of older adults are often encouraged to play games with their care recipients. Games help to stimulate brain function. Not to mention, they add enjoyment to the days of anyone who plays them. With Halloween coming up, it’s the perfect time of year to add some spooky fun to the game-playing proceedings. Doing so provides a fun and safe experience for both older adults and the beloved family members they enjoy spending time with.
“Think about playing some festive Halloween-themed games,” suggests Chicago’s Companions For Seniors, “Make up and share trivia questions about monsters, candy, or all things Halloween, or play a spooky game of charades. Use small pumpkins to go “bowling” or play shuffleboard. Whip up some Halloween-inspired bingo cards, or buy a pack of Halloween-themed playing cards.”
Carve up some jack-o’-lanterns.
It’s an age-old pastime that no Halloween can do without. Buying pumpkins and carving them into your favourite ghoulish expressions is a tradition loved by many. Of course, it’s important to play it safe when carving jack-o’-lanterns with your elderly loved one. In some cases, seniors should help in the design but not in the cutting of the pumpkin. It’s important to assess the physical capabilities of the older adult in your life before this activity. Safety first!
“For those who aren’t into frights and screams, seniors can put their artistic skills to good use and give pumpkins a special look,” says McPeak’s Assisted Living in Long Island, New York, “They can paint funny or scary faces on their pumpkins and use other crafts to give it a special look. They can use spare parts from a Mr. Potato Head and place the ears, nose and eyeglasses. For hair, they can utilize coloured yarn and glue to give the pumpkin an almost-human look.”
Hold a spooky stories contest.
Telling scary stories is a popular Halloween tradition. Naturally, you can either make up stories or read them from books. Having a contest, however, is a great way to spark some creativity. Getting your elderly loved ones to think on the spot is also an ideal way to get their minds going. Mental exercise for seniors is as important as physical exercise. Not to mention, contests are fun! Be sure to offer a worthwhile prize to the winner.
“Don’t have any classic monster movies on hand?” asks Companions For Seniors, “Why not have a scary story night of your own, with prizes for whoever comes up with the silliest, spookiest, or strangest tale of the evening? To keep things lighter, you could skip the fictional stories, and trade memories of your favourite Halloween celebrations from years past.”
At LifeCare Mobility Solutions, we’d love to help your elderly loved one safely enjoy this Halloween. Learn all about our mobility solutions by calling us at 416-267-9800 or email us at info@lifecaremobility.ca. You may also contact us by filling out the form on our Contact page. Happy Halloween!