Visiting a loved one in senior living can be one of the most rewarding ways to enhance their quality of life. Regular visits from family and friends help older adults stay engaged, active, and emotionally connected, and they can be enjoyable for everyone involved. The key is to arrive with a plan and an activity in mind. Here are eight thoughtful and engaging activity ideas for making your visits more memorable.

Play games and do puzzles

Games and puzzles are classic activity ideas for seniors for good reason: They’re fun, stimulating, and can foster a sense of connection. Here are a few options to consider:

• Card games.
• Board games.
• Large-piece puzzles for seniors.
• Online brain teasers.
• Puzzle books.
• Riddles.

To make it even more social, encourage your loved one to invite friends or neighbors to join. You might even organize a recurring game day or mini tournament. These activities are great for multigenerational visits, too. Children and grandchildren can easily take part, making it a good opportunity for family bonding.

Reminisce with old photos and family videos

Looking through old photos or watching home videos is not only heartwarming but also mentally beneficial, especially for loved ones with Alzheimer’s or dementia. According to Verywell Health, reminiscing “can help improve memory, cognitive function, and well-being.”

Creating a memory board, a collage, or a scrapbook can make the activity more personalized and fun. Bring supplies like markers, stickers, and decorative elements to make it a creative, hands-on project.

Watch a movie or TV show

Watching a movie or a TV show can be a comforting way to spend time together in a senior living community. It can be an especially good activity idea for people who might find more active or emotionally intense activities overwhelming.

You can turn watching TV into a bonding activity. Make it special by choosing a classic movie or a TV series you can enjoy one episode at a time during each visit. You could even create a themed watchlist.

Cook and enjoy a meal together

Food brings people together in a special way. If your loved one has access to a kitchen, consider preparing a favorite family recipe or a dish from their childhood with them. If cooking isn’t an option, try no-cook alternatives like making fruit kabobs or decorating cookies.

If you really enjoy cooking together and want to make a bigger event, invite family members or other residents and staff to enjoy the meal together. It’s a lovely way to build community and celebrate your loved one’s culinary memories.

Spend some time outdoors

Spending time outside, even briefly, can greatly improve a senior’s well-being. Jessica Finlay, the lead author of a University of Minnesota study, says, “Accessibility to everyday green and blue spaces encourages seniors to simply get out the door. This in turn motivates them to be active physically, spiritually, and socially, which can offset chronic illness, disability, and isolation.”

You don’t need to go far to enjoy the outdoors. Try these simple outdoor activity ideas:

• Take a short walk around the community grounds.
• Sit in a garden or by a pond and observe nature.
• Play lawn games like croquet.
• Enjoy tea or a snack outside.
• Bring binoculars and do some birdwatching.
• Watch the clouds.

Decorate for the seasons or special occasions

Decorating for different times of the year can be a fun and meaningful way to connect. It’s also a great way to brighten up your loved one’s living space and give them something to look forward to. Whether it’s seasonal changes or community events, there are plenty of opportunities to get creative together.

Some ideas include:

• Creating autumn-themed decorations with leaves, pumpkins, and warm colors.
• Making winter crafts like paper snowflakes, cozy garlands, or pine cone decorations.
• Designing heart-themed or friendship crafts for February.
• Putting up spring décor with flowers, butterflies, or pastel colors.
• Celebrating summer with bright colors, beach themes, or garden-inspired projects.
• Crafting patriotic or community celebration decorations for local events.

Play or listen to music together

Studies have shown that older adults who listen to music spend more hours engaged in cognitive, physical, social, and spiritual activities every week and report fewer health problems than those who don’t. 

Listening to familiar tunes is a simple, easy activity idea that can spark fond memories. Sharing newer music can also be a way to bond across generations. If either of you plays an instrument or sings, try playing or singing a song together. Even a short sing-along can be uplifting and joyful.

Create a family tree

Crafting a family tree is a meaningful project that helps preserve family history while deepening your connection. Your loved one may remember names, stories, or places that you’ve never heard before.

Use photos, maps, and birth records to make it visual. You can incorporate pictures, birthplaces, and any other information they know. If there are any gaps, you can do research and make discoveries about your ancestors together.

Be flexible and willing to try new activity ideas

No matter how well you plan with different activity ideas, some visits may not go as expected. Your loved one’s energy levels, medications, or mood may affect their ability to participate. Be willing to adjust your plans. Sometimes just sitting quietly together and watching TV is enough. The most important thing is your presence. By continuing to try new activities and showing up with care and intention, you’re making a meaningful difference in your loved one’s life.