Senior citizens' get-together plan

For: 8 to 30 elders
Length: About one hour, with tea
Games: 5

Games for elders should be played seated, at an easy pace, with plenty of room for talk. The best ones draw on what the players know better than anyone: old songs, sayings, tastes and stories. Gentle movement of arms is welcome; bending, hurrying and loud bangs are not. Keep the tone respectful: these are games for adults who happen to be older, not for children.

The running order

Time	Game	Notes for the host
0 to 10 min	Chidiya Ud	A warm-up for hands and attention. Everyone knows it.
10 to 25 min	Hum That Tune	Songs of their own youth. Let each tune lead to a memory; do not rush.
25 to 40 min	Seated Balloon Volleyball	Gentle exercise for arms and shoulders, and a great deal of laughter.
40 to 50 min	Taste and Tell	The smell version is easiest: spices and flowers in covered cups.
50 to 60 min	Coin in the Tumbler	From a chair beside the bucket. Calm concentration to finish.

Timings are a guide. Stop any game while people still want more, and drop one if you are running late.

What to get ready

Sturdy chairs with arms, in a circle with room behind
Song slips in large print
Balloons and a string
Covered cups of spices
A bucket on a low stool, a steel glass, coins
Tea, water and a microphone if the room is large

Comfort first

Good light and large print for anything that must be read.
Speak clearly and repeat instructions; seat those who hear less well near the host.
Never hurry a turn.
Check diets before any food game; many elders manage diabetes.
Offer every game as optional. Watching and commenting is taking part.
Ask them to teach a game. Many elders know chit games, cowrie games and rhymes that the young have never seen. An afternoon where they are the teachers is the best plan of all.

The games in this plan

On the day

Keep the party timer and the scoreboard open on your phone, and prepare chits with the chit maker. First time as host? Read how to host party games. See all party plans.