Throwing an event for older adults requires a lot of planning and considerations that wouldn’t have to be made otherwise. Although they still deserve the fun and excitement of a party, it can take a little more work to ensure you create an event everyone will enjoy.
These are the top things to keep in mind when throwing an event for older adults and why these considerations matter so much.
Story Stages
The Timing
Most older adults sleep earlier and won’t want to spend an entire night at an event. Because of this, it’s a good idea to plan your party for the early evening, starting no later than five, and setting an end time no later than eight or nine. Although this may feel incredibly early, it’s the perfect timing to ensure everyone can arrive and enjoy themselves.
Don’t be afraid to ask around and ensure what time most people would be most comfortable with.
The Food
Your food depends on the type of older people attending. Although many older people prefer simpler foods, others crave salt and spice to make up for their slowly fading senses of taste and smell.
Offer an assortment of foods that’s easy to eat, not too harsh on the stomach, and has some options to make it spicier or give it more of a flavorful kick.
The Entertainment
Every kind of adult entertainment should aim at keeping the whole party entertained. If this is a themed party, you can go with a cover band to match the era you’re theming it after. Otherwise, go for a musician that can play whatever type of music most people at the event will enjoy.
Most older adults right now had their teens and twenties in the 1960s and 1970s, so if you want to theme it after a specific time period, consider setting the music theme to around then.
The Theme
If your party has a theme, there are a few obvious choices. Most would go for a throw-back to the 60s or 70s, and although this is an awesome party idea- there are still tons of other options out there!
Many recent parties have been themed around fun things like pirates or movies and television shows, so don’t be afraid to have fun and consider leaning into a theme like this. Alert all guests of the theme before they arrive! If this is a birthday party or an event for a specific person, consider what theme they prefer.
Your Invite List
Your invite list should contain everyone who would have a great time at your event and should avoid drama. Although you shouldn’t flat out tell someone, they can’t come, try to arrange seating and the timing of this event so that people who don’t get along won’t be arriving at the same time, or sitting together. Everyone deserves to have fun.
Every Party Should Be a Great Time!
Your party should be an event that keeps everyone smiling and having fun. Make sure every consideration has the party-goers in mind, and that they’re set up to have an awesome time.
