Independence day activities for seniors

Independence Day Activities for Seniors

Whether you’re a kid or a kid at heart, Independence Day is one of the biggest summer holidays with cookouts, parades, pool parties and best of all fireworks. If you’re looking for Fourth of July activities for senior citizens, this blog post will offer a few suggestions that are sure to be fun for everyone.

Celebrating the Red, White and Blue Outdoors

One of your loved one’s favorite senior activities might just be to people watch. Inviting them to an outdoor activity lets them find a comfortable spot to be a part of the celebration while participating as much, or as little, as they want.

Kite flying: There are few things more relaxing than watching a kite float in the sky. You might even decorate them in patriotic colors and once they’re up, your loved one could take over. 

Backyard barbecue: Invite family and friends over and fire up the grill. You can serve up summertime favorites like hot dogs, hamburgers, potato salad, and coleslaw. You could even serve a patriotic dessert like red, white and blue cupcakes.

Ice cream social: Combat the hot weather with an ice cream social dishing up everyone’s favorites. You can even have a sundae bar with a variety of toppings. 

Neighborhood parades: Hold your own and decorate cars, trikes, wagons and bicycles with American flags or find a local parade to enjoy.

Fireworks: Lots of local communities, organizations and clubs sponsor Independence Day fireworks shows. Plus, because you can see them for miles, you don’t have to deal with large crowds.

Indoor Fourth of July Activities for Senior Citizens

Because of the heat, traffic and large crowds, your family member may not want to go out. Here are some ideas that let them still enjoy the holiday: 

Patriotic sing-a-long: Choose songs your loved one knows, like “America the Beautiful,” “My Country ‘Tis of Thee,” “This Land is Your Land”, or “Yankee Doodle” and get a rousing chorus going.

Red, white and blue Bingo: Create Bingo cards on your computer and fill in the boxes with things you see and hear on Independence Day: flags, fireworks, parades, stars, stripes, patriotic songs. Then people can fill in cards during the party. 

Independence Day fashion show: Encourage everyone to wear their most patriotic outfit including necklaces, earrings, hats and shoes. Then give them a chance to show off and talk about their outfit.

American geography/landmarks: Have a trivia game challenging party guests to name American locations and landmarks based on your descriptions. You could even give away patriotic prizes. 

Summertime Precautions

It’s easy to get wrapped up in all the patriotic activities, here are some things to keep in mind.

  • Seek shade: Limit direct sun exposure by seating your older loved ones in a cool and shady spot.
  • Stay warm: Bring a light jacket or blanket to help ensure your family member is comfortable while watching live fireworks. Remember, what they consider a cool temperature may be different from yours.
  • Have a seat: Standing is tiring. Be sure there are plenty of comfortable seats with cushions that provide back support. 
  • Stay hydrated: Bring favorite beverages and frequently encourage loved ones to drink.

Independence is Our Way of Life

At The Buckingham, we celebrate independence every day. As Houston’s premier retirement community, our culture is second to none — with top-notch services and amenities, and a world of opportunity for you to explore. You can learn more about our friendly and engaging lifestyle here.