Autumn is Halloween season, a time for pumpkin painting with the grandkids, fall-inspired simmer pots, spooky bingo, boo boxes, party planning, harvest treats, and more Halloween activities for adults.
It's also sweater season in Menomonee Falls!
For seniors in the community, autumn is the perfect time to bundle up for crisp-weather walks outside after a Halloween crafting session with the grandkiddos. According to studies from Penn State, spending more time outdoors can improve physical and mental health outcomes in older adults, including a renewed sense of purpose.
In this guide, discover fun and festive Halloween crafts for retirees in Menomonee Falls, including tips for throwing festive gatherings for senior adults.
This fall season, engage the senses and encourage physical activity by offering a true harvest of Halloween activities. These activities should cater to:
For example, pumpkin carving itself may be too difficult (and unsafe) for seniors with dexterity challenges and memory disorders. However, pumpkin decorating is an ideal alternative! Supply seniors with the following essentials:
Pumpkin decorating is a wonderful intergenerational activity for seniors to enjoy with grandkids.
Activities can also lean toward autumn-inspired themes, like fall wreaths made with faux autumn leaves from craft stores. Local craft stores offer plenty more fall-themed decorations, like acorns and faux harvest produce for cornucopias.
Fill the air with signature autumn scents by creating a festive simmer pot with seniors. Add the following essentials to a simmering pot of water:
These simmer pot ingredients can also be dried to create autumn potpourri activities for seniors. Fill fabric sachets or ceramic containers with dried potpourri to create a light autumn scent.
Halloween games bring seniors closer to their families and communities. They're also popular activities at senior communities like the Village at the Falls.
For example, "Spooky Bingo" never misses with seniors. This Halloween-themed bingo is a low-stress, high-reward activity that gets seniors in the Halloween spirit with a chance to win fun prizes, too!
Halloween trivia is another fun, perfectly-paced activity for seniors looking for more cognitive stimulation. Like Spooky Bingo, this game flows at a quicker pace, testing seniors on their knowledge of Halloween folklore and themed topics like Halloween book titles and movies.
Autumn-themed Pictionary is a wonderful memory-boosting activity for seniors to enjoy with families. Meanwhile, Charades encourages more:
Consider making or purchasing Halloween-themed playing cards for group card games like Autumn Hearts and Crazy Eights.
Food is the heart of any holiday celebration, and Halloween is no exception. Except when it comes to seniors, ditch the candy and offer healthy snacks instead.
For instance, "Boo-nana" pops are an easy and delicious Halloween treat for seniors. Follow this simple recipe:
Dark chocolate has magnesium, while bananas are packed with magnesium and potassium for seniors, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Seniors may prefer softer bananas; you can always skip the freezing step, allowing seniors to dip soft bananas in Magic Shell chocolate. You can also use white chocolate instead of dark chocolate.
Pair your fruit and chocolate treats with a warm pot of hot apple cider for seniors. This beverage is a must for autumn, and so easy to make.
Halloween parties and Menomonee Falls community celebrations for seniors should prioritize safety, comfort, and inclusivity.
For example, when decorating, keep pathways clear of Halloween clutter and tripping hazards. Use lighted decorations to provide more illumination, preventing falls.
Provide plenty of comfortable seating for senior guests. Choose venues or senior living layouts that are easy to navigate, including easy access to senior bathrooms.
An ideal timeframe for a senior Halloween party is between afternoon and early evening. A 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM schedule is perfect.There's plenty of time for senior guests to enjoy the festivities without disrupting routines and sleep patterns.
A fun and festive name can help set the tone for a senior Halloween party. Start with playful options like:
Don't be afraid to add a touch of humor. If you'd prefer to serve mocktails, being mindful of senior health concerns, you could name the party, "Monsters and Mocktails!"
When brainstorming Halloween gifts for seniors, consider a "boo box" filled with their favorite cozy, comforting, and nostalgic items.
For instance, you could include a warm and fuzzy throw blanket printed with Halloween symbols, like pumpkins and ghosts. Include a new autumn sweater for crisp days at Menomonee Falls parks. These gifts pair perfectly with new Halloween-themed mugs for pumpkin-spiced coffee blends and ciders.
Halloween offers communities and families an opportunity to help seniors connect with Halloween memories and create new ones. Turn these Halloween activities for adults into an engaging itinerary for senior social wellness. Seniors can also enjoy these activities as residents of the Village at the Falls, a premier senior living community in Menomonee Falls, WI.
Read our testimonials from happy residents and families who put their trust in our amenities and services. You can also browse the gallery to discover the cozy and accommodating style of our community, including common areas with fireplaces, welcoming dining areas, complimentary coffee stations, and vibrant green walking areas.
Contact our team to learn more about life and fall events in senior living.