Preparing easy-to-make Halloween treats for seniors is a great way for families to spend time with loved ones of all ages, including senior loved ones, that hearken back to the Halloween fun they had as a child.

Creativity Come to Life

SPOOKY SPIDERS

Mini chocolate donuts, M&M candies, cake frosting, and pretzel twists are all you need to make spooky Halloween spiders. It’s a project that’s fun for all ages. The donuts make the spider’s body, the curvy pretzels make good legs, and the M&M candies are perfect for eyes. Use a little bit of frosting to keep the eyes in place, if needed.

PUMPKIN PATCH PUDDING

Pumpkin patch dirt pudding is something that for many is just about as fun to make as it is to eat. All you will need is a couple boxes of chocolate pudding mix, some milk, a package of chocolate sandwich cookies, 24 candy pumpkins, and some fall themed sprinkles.

 

Sweet, Sugar-Conscious Snacks

There are also plenty of fun and easy Halloween treats for seniors to make even when they are watching their sugar intake or managing diabetes.

WITCHES TEETH

Witches Teeth are made with wedges of apples for the mouth and slices of almonds. Swap out almonds for sunflower seeds for a nut-free option.

SNACK-O’-LANTERN FRUIT CUPS

Snack-o’-Lantern Fruit Cups are a festive way to serve a health-conscious dessert. Carve oranges to make mini Jack-o-Lanterns. Fill them with your favorite fruit to make a healthy snack!

FROZEN BOO-NANA POPS

Dip frozen bananas into white chocolate to make ghostly figures called Frozen Boo-nana Pops. Add a popsicle stick for a handle and chocolate chips for eyes, and you’re ready to enjoy a Halloween favorite. You can make them even healthier by dipping them in low-fat vanilla yogurt instead of chocolate, and suddenly you have a tasty treat that totals less than 100 calories a serving!

 

Halloween Activities for Seniors and the Whole Family!

CareForYoo has a page full of Halloween-themed food projects that are perfect for seniors to make with the family. A few treat ideas include ghosts made of marshmallows and chocolate-dipped strawberry pumpkins. For even more Halloween treats for seniors, check out the Greatist!

These projects are ideal for family bonding because projects that cater to seniors’ dexterity are often also perfect for children’s small fingers!

Food for Thought: Snacks and Activities that Nourish the Mind & Body

Seniors living with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia respond well to activities involving food. Making snack time fun is a great way to stimulate their minds.

Still, if you want to partake in Halloween activities for seniors but don’t have a sweet tooth, there are lots of things you can do that aren’t food-related.

It’s easy to make decorative candy-collecting containers with a plastic cup and some construction paper, such as these fun Jack-o-lantern and black cat designs.

A used toilet tissue roll and some gauze can be fashioned into a scary mummy. First, paint the tube black with tempera paint. Next, use some plastic, beady eyes that you can get from your local craft store, and then just use some white glue to hold everything together.

 

Here at Bethesda, we are always looking for new, creative activities for our residents. We’re excited to share our favorite Halloween recipes and crafts with you and your loved ones! Come visit us and see what makes our senior living communities feel like home.