Halloween is coming up in a couple of weeks! Generally speaking, it’s an annual occasion that is catered towards children and their excitement around trick or treating. Of course, the spooky celebration is about so much more than candy. And, naturally, people of all ages can enjoy it. That includes seniors! But which Halloween activities are both fun and safe so that they can be enjoyed by older adults?
1. A leaf collecting hunt.
Needless to remind you, the fall season brings us the most wonderful hues of red, orange, brown and yellow. Going on a leaf collecting hunt with your elderly loved one is an autumn activity that provides many benefits. Firstly, a brisk walk is an excellent form of light exercise. It is recommended for all seniors. Secondly, the walk offers a great way to enjoy both fresh air and the awesome colours of the season. Finally, the collection of leaves can spark a fun art project!
“The days around Halloween can be a great opportunity to go leaf-peeping with your whole family,” says Chicago’s Companions For Seniors, “Just be sure to prepare ahead of time for the road trip. Pack snacks and water, blankets, and any other supplies your elderly loved one will need for a safe and comfortable day out.”
2. Watching an old scary movie.
Who doesn’t watch horror movies in anticipation of Halloween? Well, perhaps those who aren’t horror movie fans, we suppose. If you live with an elderly loved one, you’re probably used to avoiding the scary stuff when they’re in front of the TV. You may be surprised to discover, however, that the senior in your home loves those old scary classics. Fire one up and enjoy some vintage cinema with grandma and/or grandpa this Halloween!
“Today’s horror films rely on gore and gratuitous violence to provide scares, but they don’t compare to the originals,” insists McPeak’s Assisted Living in Long Island, New York, “Seniors will fall back in time as they watch these monster movies they grew up with, such as Dracula, Frankenstein, The Wolf Man and The Mummy, and see the actors who were the legends of horror back in the day, including Bela Lugosi, Boris Karloff and Lon Chaney, Jr.”
3. Sharing some healthy treats.
Halloween is known for its dispensing and collecting of candy. It goes without saying that candy isn’t exactly the healthiest of dietary choices. If you live with seniors, you can still get them in on the Halloween fun. However, adding some healthy treats to the proceedings is a wise choice. As Ashley Huntsberry-Lett suggests on AgingCare.com, you and your elder can indulge in some dark chocolate, which is lower in sugar and fat than milk and even has antioxidants.
“A celebratory dessert made with natural and/or sugar free ice cream is another option that will delight your loved one,” she adds, “Provide healthy topping options like chopped nuts, berries and other kinds of fruit, and oats or granola that they can choose from to make their own tasty creation. This will boost their intake of nutrients like potassium, vitamin C, dietary fiber, and protein.”
At Advantage Home Health Solutions, we’d love to help your elderly loved one safely enjoy this Halloween. To learn all about our accessibility and mobility solutions, give us a call at 403-460-5438. You may also email us by filling out the form on our Contact page! Happy Halloween!
