As the holiday season approaches, seniors just want to have fun! Contrary to popular belief–seniors don’t want to sit around in their rocking chairs and knit fuzzy sweaters. The holidays are a great time to gather with the community and one way to accomplish that is to host gatherings.
Residents may be away from their families during the holidays and want to have the same traditions they have grown to love. This season might look different for some, so it’s important to remind seniors that they have a community of family by their side to eat, drink, and be merry.
There are a lot of opportunities to host events now and until the New Year. Older adult communities should make residents aware of what is happening and offer fun activities that make them feel young at heart. As a senior living marketing agency, it is safe to say that we have a few party ideas up our sleeve that seniors will enjoy. Here are some of our favorite holiday event ideas for older adult communities that are great for residents or prospects:
tailgating inspired party
You don’t have to be in college to enjoy a tailgating party. As the weather is getting cooler, communities can host an indoor tailgate at an on-site restaurant or event space to account for buffet-style dining and loads of games. Corn hole, ring toss, giant Jenga, and cards are some of the games that can perhaps be offered. Barbeque foods and an array of drinks are great offerings for attendees to sit back and enjoy. Current and future residents can be invited to guess seven of the winners of upcoming NFL or college football games. Once the season is over, the winners can receive a follow-up from the community and receive a gift card to a local restaurant. Fall means football—there are a lot of opportunities for communities to get involved and celebrate the season.
Holiday-Themed Piano Duel
Two piano players are better than one! Have you ever thought about having a holiday piano duel in your community? Residents are sure to enjoy the playfulness of it and serenade to get them in the holiday spirit. This is a great opportunity for seniors from all walks of life to sit back and enjoy the sound of music while mingling with other residents. Snacks and a full-service bar are all great perks that can be offered while listening and singing along to favorite holiday tunes.
emoji christmas songs
A fun way to get residents involved in the cheerfulness of the season is hosting an interactive event that allows for guessing and giggling. A fun game that prompts that is naming Christmas songs with emojis. Even if today’s active seniors aren’t sure what an emoji is—it doesn’t matter in the slightest! Have residents pair up or get a group together to solve the mystery of the unnamed Christmas song through a series of emojis. Play notorious holiday music, pass around worksheets, and have the residents get to work. The team that guesses the most correct answers can receive a prize or win tickets to an upcoming local event.
ugly sweater party
You can’t go wrong with a classic Ugly Sweater Party! Have residents and staff dress up in their most outrageous ugly holiday sweaters for lots of laughs. This is a great event to have in the community with servings of comfort food and fun holiday cocktails—or mocktails to be sipped on throughout the night. During the holidays, show that there is never a dull moment. Communities can offer prizes to the best dressed but who’s to say that everyone is rocking the best ugly sweater?!
make it reindeer (vegas-themed)
Another creative holiday event idea is having a Vegas-themed holiday party. Have residents make their way down to the senior living “strip” in glamorous clothing to play casino-inspired games. Set up a few different stations with games like—poker, darts, bingo, and dominoes for residents to indulge in and try their luck for a chance to win fun reindeer-themed prizes.
host a charitable event
There is nothing better than showing off your excitement for the festive season by putting up holiday lights around the community. Older adult communities can host holiday events while helping those in need. For instance, Luther Manor, a senior living community in Wauwatosa, WI, annually hosts “Love Lights,” an event that focuses on shining light on hope. Residents, staff, and the community can sponsor a light in memory of those who have passed–making each light that shines a memory of someone who was loved. The event can consist of warm beverages and inviting the community out to enjoy the light show.
No matter what kind of party or event you have in your community, it will be a great opportunity for residents to make new traditions and friends. Show that seniors don’t have to be alone for Christmas or Hanukkah—and they still have a support system to celebrate the holidays.
If you’d like some help with planning for the holiday season and beyond, we are a full-service marketing agency that is happy to help. Connect with us!
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