Posted on Apr 13, 2020 in Senior Activities
Finding the best TV shows and movies to watch is more important than ever with everyone spending even more time at home right now.
Even under normal conditions, many seniors find themselves home alone much of the time. Oftentimes, the only company they have is the television. Having a good selection of TV shows and movies can make all the difference to seniors who find themselves at home with little social contact and stimulation.
To keep your senior loved ones entertained, it’s a good idea to arm them with a list of TV channels that broadcast the type of shows that will get them to reminisce, laugh, relax, and fully engage with. We all know that warm glow you get after a feel-good comedy, a general knowledge quiz show, or a gritty drama. A regular soap-opera can give seniors something to look forward to as well.
The average US home now gets 189 TV channels. That should represent ample choice, but it can be overwhelming for a senior to deal with information overload. Why not research a list of shows your senior loved one will enjoy and plan a schedule for them? If you ever worry that they’re getting bored, you can always prompt them to switch on their favorite show.
Research shows a link between depression in seniors and TV viewing. Watching too many news articles and current affairs shows can pose a risk to their mental health. Encouraging them to switch to happier programs can help to limit feelings of despair and depression.
Netflix is a superb resource. Its interface is straightforward to navigate once you get the hang of it. Netflix provides a range of TV shows, documentaries, and dramas that should keep seniors entertained all year round.
Today, then, we’ve curated out a selection of shows and movies we think seniors will love.
Let’s get started with some old classics…
Seniors living with Alzheimer’s can benefit greatly from watching their favorite movie shows from the past. They might have forgotten about most of them, though, so why not create a list of movies that will give them a trip down memory lane?
The old Gene Kelly classic will take any senior hurtling back to their youth. This movie is sure to get them singing along happily to the songs from this cheerful, heartwarming musical. This is the type of film that can get them reminiscing about their younger years rather than worrying about the future.
This charming and amusing film features senior British tourists on holiday in India. The brilliantly colorful cinematography and stellar performances from esteemed actors and actresses like Dame Judi Dench will brighten anyone’s day, especially seniors.
Elderly people, especially those living with dementia, respond well to music and movies that evoke memories of the past. Why not stick something on that they haven’t watched since they were in their teens or twenties? Just imagine the cascade of happy memories it could trigger.
The 40s were a pivotal time for many seniors still alive today. Try getting them to watch this selection of pre-war and post-war blockbusters – they’ll revel in seeing the sirens and stars of yesteryear.
With many seniors coming of age in the 50s, movies from this era will remind your loved of the good times when they were in the prime of their life.
The 60s were a prosperous and happy time for many. Most seniors will be eager to sing along to classics such as West Side Story and The Sound of Music. Be prepared for some jolly humming and maybe even some dancing in the lounge!
If you’re unable to find any old movies for your loved one, you might find some inspiration over at Turner Classic Movies and TV Land.
You can also download a range of black and white movies for free from Black and White Movies and save them onto a USB. Your loved one will need a reasonably new TV with a USB port.
For a daily giggle, make sure your senior loved one watches their favorite comedy shows.
Here are a few old and new comedy series that should send them down memory lane and give them a good chuckle.
If you can get hold of an old TV series, it should keep your elderly loved ones entertained for weeks on end.
Here’s a trio of senior-friendly series:
Quiz shows are great fun for seniors who want to test their general knowledge and firm up their memories. People with Alzheimer’s can benefit greatly from some intellectual stimulation.
Quiz shows are often presented in a light-hearted and entertaining way and often get viewers laughing along.
Here are a selection of US quiz shows popular with seniors:
Reality shows provide continuity and something to look forward to each day, especially if they’re aired daily. Seniors might enjoy reality shows like American Idol and Dancing With The Stars.
Try to keep your loved one focused on TV shows that are more likely to lift their spirits rather than bring them down. Encourage them to limit the amount of news and current affairs as they can tend to bring their mood down.
If your loved one needs more entertainment than that of classic movies and shows, we can help at Landmark Senior Living. Our five facilities that offer memory care, assisted living and respite stays all offer daily activities to keep your loved ones active and jolly. If you have any other questions regarding senior living, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our friendly team here at Landmark Senior Living.
