St Patrick's Day Activities for Seniors

By Anna Hazard

Whether you've a bit of Irish in you or not, St. Patrick's Day is a celebration that can be enjoyed by people of all ages (with varying activities depending upon one's exact age, temperament, and health).
 
Here are a smattering of Paddy's Day themed activities that are suitable for your elderly loves ones, whether that be in activity centers, assisted living, nursing homes, or just an enjoyable day at the family home.

Green Themed Wardrobes

• Start off with one of the most basic of St. Patrick's Day traditions (and help ward off the traditional pinches for those not following the day's dress code) by finding or creating something green to wear for everyone's wardrobe. For those who are lacking in any emerald or jade hued shirts, pants, or jewelry, have your senior loved one help create St. Patrick's Day pins, boutonnieres, or corsages to wear.
  

St. Patrick's Day Themed Crafts

• Have your elderly loved one help to make St. Patrick's Day crafts that can be later used to decorate the household or add to people's wardrobe for the celebrations. Check out our previous blog post on St. Patrick's themed crafts suitable for seniors for further ideas.
  

4-Leaf Clover Scavenger Hunt

• Organize a 4-Leaf Clover scavenger hunt for those seniors who are more mobile and live in warmer climes where clover may already be found in mid-March. Sub in fake shamrock or leprechaun gold decorations (that can be pre-made by seniors during an earlier crafting session) for easier scavenging. The clover or gold hunt can be moved indoors for those with limited mobility or health issues that may make them sensitive to the weather or temperature changes.
  

Green Themed Drinks, Foods, and Meals

• Have an Irish themed meal using traditional foods such as corned beef & cabbages, potato bread, and white pudding or simply add a bit of green to your senior loved one's normal meals. Natural tinting both drinks & foods green (using do-it-yourself spinach, avocado, or pistachios based coloring) is suggested over the use of chemical food dyes. You can even hold a contest over who can tint their drinks the brightest shade of green. Move the celebratory meal up to lunch or brunch for those senior loved ones who may have trouble staying up for (or later digesting) a larger evening dinner.
  

St. Patrick's Themed Games

• Play some classic games with a Paddy's day twist. Some suggestions include Pin the Shamrock on the Leprechaun (using crafts previously created by your senior loved ones), Shamrock Bingo, Pot-of-Gold Toss, Hot Potato (with real potatoes this time), and Blarney Themed Pictionary, Charades, or Trivia featuring Irish folklore, famous limericks, St. Patrick's traditions, and more.