Valentine’s Day is a holiday that anyone, at any age, can enjoy — especially if it means someone who cares for you pops over, maybe with a homemade valentine card or treat in hand, and dotes on you for a little while. There are plenty of fun Valentine’s Day activities for seniors to participate in, either with a significant other or with family and friends.
To make this Valentine’s Day a special one, check out these simple but celebratory ways to spend time with your older friends, loved ones and coworkers. They are all easy to pull together, sentimentally appropriate, budget-friendly — and not totally predictable. Here are 12 sweet, simple and engaging Valentine’s activities for seniors.
1. Make a homemade card
Make a homemade Valentine’s Day card for your favorite senior, especially if you have little hands to help you, or even write a short letter on decorated paper. Think of the ways your older loved one is a stand-out human, how they make you or your family feel good, what you like about working with them or what you admire about how they live their life. Then, simply tell them so straight from the heart.
2. Make a tasty treat
Valentine’s Day and chocolate (and so many other sweets) go hand-in-hand, so homemade baked goods can make a sweet surprise. Trying baking together for a fun Valentine’s Day activity for seniors, or prep treats ahead of time and bring them over as a special gift. Need a sugar-free treat? Try making these festive sugar-free red velvet cupcakes from The Sugar-free Diva.
3. Bring balloons
Get a small cluster of bright balloons for a senior — the more the merrier! — but do be mindful of the size of their living space. Tie the balloons together with ribbon or attach them to a lamp or chairs where they can be enjoyed throughout the day. It’s a simple gesture that can liven up any room.
4. Watch a favorite movie
A grandparent might enjoy watching a Valentine’s Day movie with their grandkids. Or, you can ask what their favorite romantic movie is and arrange to watch that one together. Don’t forget to ask them why it’s their favorite movie, and use this activity as an opportunity to engage in conversation that takes interest in their heart and soul. They might even share with you some charming favorite memories.
5. Look at photos together
Ask your older friend or loved one if they would like to flip through old photo albums and tell you about their loves and loved ones from days gone by. Show you care by actively listening and asking questions about the people and events that meant so much to them. Ask politely about sweet memories from the past like their first kiss, first crush and first love.
6. Go for a drive
Believe it or not, going for a simple drive can be one of the best Valentine’s Day activities for seniors. Especially if your older friend or loved one doesn’t drive much or at all anymore, they might love to get out and see the nearby city or the countryside. For folks who still live in or near their hometowns, it’s fun to go exploring and listen to them tell stories as you both point out what’s old and what’s new. For longer outings, make sure to plan for a pit stop with clean, accessible restrooms along the way.
7. Have a Red Day
Have a simple but festive breakfast. Dress up in as much red as you can pull together. Set the table with red placemats, napkins, plates and flowers. Drink cranberry juice and eat red velvet pancakes topped with strawberries. Sip on red tea after your meal. Any way that you can incorporate pretty shades of red for Valentine’s Day is sure to make it a special event.
8. Go out for coffee or tea
If transportation is not a hassle, go to a nice coffee or tea shop in your area, have a cuppa and a treat and people watch. If it’s nice out, take a short walk and admire nearby shop displays. Take along any mobility assistance equipment that might come in handy, just in case.
9. Set up a virtual call
For those far away who can’t pop over for a Valentine’s Day treat or hug, connect with them online via Zoom, Skype or Facetime. This way, they still get to spend Valentine’s Day with people they love, no matter where in the world they might be. Be sure to help your older friend or loved one with the technology if they need it.
10. Host a Valentine’s Day potluck
Share the love by inviting your nearest and dearest over for a Valentine’s Day potluck. Each of you can bring a favorite food or dessert and have fun sampling each other’s best dishes. Prepared foods and takeout are also an option if cooking presents a challenge. Good company and good food combined are a great addition to a special day.
11. Do a good deed together
If you know or work with an older person who loves to knit or crochet, making Valentine’s Day-themed winter hats, scarves or blankets to donate to a local shelter can be a great valentine activity for seniors. Additionally, you might bring over some pink or red carnations for them to hand out to friends or neighbors as a low-fuss holiday greeting. Any simple gesture that allows them to share the love with others can help make the day special and meaningful.
12. Break out the games
Spend some time playing games with the older person in your life. Puzzles and coloring books make great Valentine’s Day activities for seniors. Additionally, you can try out some themed games, like a printable Valentine’s Day crossword puzzle or some Valentine’s Day Bingo cards. For a fun twist, try playing Bingo using conversation hearts or chocolate kisses instead of traditional Bingo markers.
