Here are some fun things to do with an elder or just for times when you need to lighten the mood.

Tell jokes!

If you haven’t heard any good jokes lately, look some up online or check out a joke book at the library. Everyone can use some good laughs once in a while.

Play some simple games

Games like hangman, I spy, tic-tac-toe, crosswords, cards, and other games can be fun. If the children are around get them involved too!

Search the internet

Look at videos, maps, webcams, pictures you have stored, images of interesting things, interesting educational sites, play games, or look at social media together.

Play some incredibly great music …

and shake a leg. What are your elder’s favorite songs to dance to?

Take photos and selfies and add the funny filters …

that are available. My kids do this with Grandma all the time and they have a ton of fun! Make sure your loved one would approve first.

Make some bread

Early in the day plan to make bread together for lunch or dinner and enjoy the aroma it creates. If it’s easier, bread baking machines are still around and these still put out great aromas.

Bake a cake or cupcakes

After the cake cools frost it any way you want. Add food coloring or use tips and bags for different designs. Don’t set any rules, just have fun with it!

If the grandkids are around …

have a scavenger hunt, build a fort, blow bubbles, sing songs, or watch the babies play.

Make a craft for an upcoming holiday

Start planning some crafts for an upcoming holiday. It’s never too early to start creating!

Play an instrument …

or listen to songs that include an instrument your loved one used to play.

Move your body!

Exercise, do a yoga move, walk, lift a can of vegetables (for weights), or dance. Move a little and have fun with it.

Get in the car and take a mystery trip

End up getting ice cream, or lunch, or just a pretzel at a local store.

Have a movie matinée

Look up trivia about the movie ahead of time and talk about it with your loved one.

Have a spa moment

Paint nails, have a foot soaking party, or do facials together.

Make a Fun Basket

For More fun moments, put together a fun basket of funny glasses, masks, scarves, crazy necklaces, and other items you find, or you can purchase fun props. Have a party or just take fun photos.