May the luck of the Irish be with you!

The U.S. Census Bureau reports that around 1 in 5 Americans have Irish lineage. Whether or not you’re Irish, March 17 is still cause for celebration! St. Patrick’s Day is a fun day to celebrate no matter your age. Older adults at senior living homes love to celebrate, whether there’s a concert or a parade!

Shamrock Shakes

Those shakes that you see at fast food joints this time of year can be easily recreated at your senior living facility. Just follow this simple recipe using ice cream, some mint extract, and green food coloring. If mint flavoring isn’t your favorite, you can add green food coloring to different drinks to add a fun spin.

Get Crafty

Not only is painting and crafting fun, it’s a great way to improve hand-eye coordination in older adults. Getting a group together offers much-needed socialization time for older adults. Consider inviting the grandkids to get them in on the crafting action.

Decorate

Take the time to “paint” the senior living home green. Put up cut-out leprechauns and shamrocks in the halls and hang green streamers from the doorway. Those crafts everyone made for St. Patrick’s Day can be hung up, too.

Costume Contest

How fun would it be to have a costume contest for St. Patrick’s Day? Throw a party in your community room complete with games and food, then have participants dress up like leprechauns. Invite family members to join in on the festivities.

Learn a Dance

Not only is dancing fun, studies show that it’s a great activity for older adults to participate in! Learn a fun Irish jig and dance to some Irish music. Take it one step further by having a judging contest à la Dancing with the Stars.

Sláinte!