At-home date ideas for seniors include cooking a meal together, listening to music and sharing memories, watching and discussing a movie, playing games or working on puzzles together, planning a dream trip or future experience, and creating something together. These can all help older adults reconnect and keep the romance alive.
According to Retirement Living, 36% of Americans over 65 were single in 2023. This means that the majority of seniors are in relationships, which means that they have much-needed companionship in old age.
However, you have to work at keeping the relationship, especially if you want to maintain love after 70. And with these at-home date ideas for older adults in Bakersfield, CA, you can do exactly that.
You may feel like you've done it all when it comes to meaningful activities at home, but there's always more to explore to further your relationship connection. Here's what you can try.
As part of your daily routine, one spouse may be the cook and the other washes the dishes afterward. But these are two separate tasks done independently, which doesn't make things very romantic or connected.
For a meaningful date night at home, consider cooking together. You can choose a favorite recipe or a dish from your childhood. Or explore a new cuisine together; just make sure to avoid foods that are harder to digest for older adults.
You can cook together side by side, having easy conversation and laughter. Once the meal's ready, you can enjoy it together at a candle-lit table.
Don't underestimate the power of music. Not only does it have huge power in making seniors happier and healthier, but it can also strengthen your relationship. It can be deeply meaningful and calming.
To have a nice at-home date, first create a playlist of your favorite songs from different stages of your life. They can be music from your:
Sit and have a great time conjuring up fond times as you listen to the music. Take turns sharing what the tracks remind you of, such as any emotions or stories.
Forget about getting dressed and going out for a film where you can't understand anything without captions and can't pause the movie to go to the bathroom. Stay home and have a movie night instead!
Choose a classic film or a documentary and nestle into your couch. Pull a blanket over yourselves, and munch on snacks.
After you're done with the film, have deeper conversations about values, memories, or life experiences.
Games and puzzles are proven to slow cognitive decline in the elderly, so you should already be doing these things independently. But whether or not you have been, it's always a good idea to have a date night with games or puzzles!
Choose games that encourage cooperation or lighthearted competition. The goal is to have fun without things getting heated or stressful.
You're never too old to have new experiences; whether you're a well-traveled couple or have never ventured out of the city, it's always fun and heart-warming to plan a dream trip. This can still be an exciting activity, even if you can't travel immediately.
Sit down and browse:
Discuss where you want to go and what draws you to these destinations. This can encourage shared goals, optimism, and creative thinking.
Do you and your loved one have hobbies? Then why not come together and create something beautiful together?
Set aside some time for a creative project for date night, such as:
You'll get to do self-expression and collaborate while reducing stress. This crafting date can open the door for conversation, and you'll have something amazing to display forever!
Older people have different personalities, so they'll like to do various things on dates. However, they usually like to focus on connection, comfort, and meaningful conversation. Because they're in their later years, they probably won't want to do high-energy or late-night activities.
Often, they'll like to go out to cultural outings, such as:
They can also do shared hobbies, as these activities are enjoyable and low-pressure. Or simply spending quiet time talking, reminiscing, or learning about each other's life experiences can be rewarding already.
The activities that senior couples find fun are ones that balance enjoyment, social interaction, and physical comfort. Some popular options include:
The date night rule is simple but effective for keeping the relationship alive. Basically, it encourages couples to set aside dedicated time for each other on a regular basis. Often, it's once a week or at least once a month.
The most important thing is intentional connection. Date night can be simple and flexible, as long as you minimize distractions and focus on quality time together.
The goal is to:
Just because you and your spouse are older now doesn't mean that you can't keep things alive and exciting. Even if you can't go out and have adventures, there are plenty of at-home date ideas you can try.
So don't have another boring night together. Try a few of our ideas, and you'll find that you'll wake up each day wondering about what new treasured memories you'll make with your spouse.
Contact us today if you're interested in senior living in Bakersfield, CA. Columbus Estates has recently updated our amenities to ensure that our residents enjoy only the best in life.