It's a pleasure to plan parties and activities for seniors. The first thing you need to determine is the limitation of your party-goers. For instance, someone who suffers from arthritis in the fingers might be uncomfortable doing a craft activity. Once you know who will be attending the party, you can begin taking such things into consideration and planning the activities accordingly. Here are some suggestions.

1. Bingo. This is by far the most popular game among seniors. You can find inexpensive home bingo games at any toy store. For the prizes, go to your local dollar store and pick out some merchandise. Toiletries, kitchen items, personal care products and home decorations would all be good choices. You can either wrap each gift so that they are mystery prizes, or you can arrange them on a table so that the winner of each game can choose a prize.

   Sing along bingo is a variation on bingo. You will need to make up bingo cards. Use the same amount of squares as appear on a real bingo card, but instead of letters and numbers, each square will feature the title of a song. Older and patriotic songs work the best. The caller will sing out the song and the guest will have to figure out the title. Upon doing so, they can place a chip on that square. Most seniors will join along in the singing, enhancing the fun of the game! Prizes are handled the same as in regular bingo.

2. Plan an auction! You can purchase the same kinds of prizes that were suggested for the bingo activity, but all the prizes should be wrapped as mystery prizes. You will also need fake money. Figure on at least ten thousand dollars per guest. The auctioneer will then hold up a wrapped gift for all to see. Then the bidding begins! Since it's play-money, the guests can feel free to bid as much as they want for it. Choose an entertaining, outgoing auctioneer to make this an exciting activity for all the guests!
3. Another favorite party game is a version of Name That Tune. If at all possible, convince someone to play the piano or guitar as accompaniment. You won't have trouble finding an inexpensive music book full of all the songs that were popular when the seniors were young. Start with three notes and pause, asking if anyone can "name that tune." If no one can name it, play the three notes again, this time adding two more. Ask them if they know the tune. Keep adding two notes until someone can name that tune. Once the song is named, have the party guests sing along. A good idea would be to decorate the room with musical notes and the names of the songs that will be used in the game. They can be written on balloons, place mats, or posters, but don't tell anyone!
4. Have your guests supply baby pictures of themselves. You can play an entertaining and often hilarious guessing game with these photos. Give each guest a pen and paper, present each picture and challenge the guests to guess the true identities of the babies. When everyone is done, collect the papers, hold up the pictures and read the answers. Many times seeing old photos will remind seniors of old times. They may want to tell about where the pictures were taken, or what was happening in the world the year they were born.
5. A trivia game is an excellent idea as long as the questions are geared toward the appropriate time period. Current pop culture references should be avoided in favor of trivia from a more familiar time. Many of these questions will spark some interesting stories from the party guests and prompt conversations among them.

   As a memorable variation, consider personalizing the trivia game. Have each senior write on a sheet of paper a few facts about her life. First jobs, number of kids or grandkids, depression questions like the cost of bread, and careers and past hobbies would be a great start. Then read the questions out loud and have the seniors match the information to the correct person. This activity will spark a lot of discussion and memories about the old days!

6. Hire a swing band! Music and dance lovers come in all age groups, and seniors are no exception. Hearing their favorite old songs live would be a real treat. Encourage them to dance to the music. For those seniors who lack their former agility, help them to keep time to the music in their seats.
7. How about a card tournament party with inexpensive wrapped gifts as prizes. Poker has enjoyed a big comeback these days. Pinochle, bridge and gin rummy are also popular. You can separate the large group of seniors into groups of four, form separate games and then let the winners of those games compete for a grand prize!
8. Hold a flower arranging class. Supply the vases, stems and scissors, and give them some tips on color. After they have completed the arrangements, they can vote on first, second and third place arrangements (all of which receive prizes). Of course, allow all the seniors to take their creations home!

Seniors like to have fun as much as any other group of people. If you play one or more of the games above, your party is guaranteed to be a real success!

How to Find Free Stuff for Seniors

First of all, ask! Many people go so far as to wear a “Don’t Forget My Discount!” t-shirt. While this may be a tongue-in-cheek way to remind retailers, the fact is that many companies do offer free or discounted services and merchandise – but they don’t always advertise the option. So ask around.

AAA

Originally an auto club designed to provide emergency roadside assistance, AAA is now a respected discount card used for a variety of purchases, including insurance, travel, auto parts, eyewear, prescriptions, shopping, even flowers. Mostly, AAA extends a helpful discount, but some services may end up being free, depending on the original cost.

AARP

If you’re an AARP member, that opens a great many doors for special offers.  Visit the AARP Marketplace before retail shopping to see what bargains await there. Use the AARP Passport for travel deals, too.

Energy Company Evaluations

Contact your local energy provider for a free assessment. A representative from the company will perform an evaluation on your home energy use, and often gives away free items such as light bulbs, faucet aerators, and new showerheads.

Free Stuff Hunter.com

If you like to find bargains and get free samples is for you. The Web site condenses hundreds of merchandise offers into one handy spot. You’ll find a lot of free stuff for seniors here, everything from a new pair of jeans to a bag of chips. But remember, only request the samples you’ll really use. Also, some offers require you to provide an e-mail address. Consider setting up a free e-mail account through Yahoo! or MSN Hotmail.

Health Screenings

Pharmacies, hospitals, and mobile health units offer a variety of free health screenings. Scan the newspaper or pick up a flyer for cholesterol tests, nutritional assessments, medicine reviews with a pharmacist, eye and ear examinations, and many other preventative care services.

Internet Service

Many seniors who don’t want all the technological “bells and whistles” enjoy free Internet service, especially if they only e-mail their grandchildren or go online occasionally. Juno.com is still one of the most reliable free Internet service providers available, but it’s limited to 10 hours a month. Netzero.com has a similar free service. Certain regions of the United States and Canada have additional free Internet options as well.

Medicine

The Free Medicine Foundation is a partnership program to aid seniors and families in need of medication. The application process can be time-consuming, but it’s worth looking into if the cost of prescription medication hampers your budget.

Tax Assistance

Depending on your status and need, many agencies provide assistance each tax season. A community center or senior center would be the best place to look for information.

Nearly Free Stuff for Seniors

Make all the jokes about “early bird specials” that you want, but there’s a lot to be said for getting half-price meals, entertainment discounts and other perks, simply because you’re of a certain age.

Keep your eyes open for the following opportunities for nearly free stuff for seniors:

• Movies: Most movie theaters have a 55 or 62 age break for senior ticket prices. The average cost is either at or slightly less than the matinee price, regardless of show time.
• Attractions: Museums and other attractions extend a senior discount for admission or memberships. Depending on the institution, the discount is about 15-20 percent.
• Health Clubs: Get a quality workout at a local health club for 50-70 percent less than other members.
• Retail Stores: Many local retailers and department stores offer 10-30 percent off purchases daily, and promote sale days specifically for seniors.
• Restaurants: Let’s not forget that the early bird special is just one of many dining discounts to be found. Some restaurants offer the standard AAA 10 percent off, while others have specials such as two-for-one entrees, or special senior days.
• Airlines: Numerous airlines offer senior discounts, either through incentive programs, such as United Silver Wings Program, or by discounting standard fares 10-15 percent. However, like all things involving airlines, there are many restrictions. Individuals who may qualify as a senior on one airline may not on another. Review deals carefully.
• Travel: Other travel discounts available to seniors include car rentals, hotel stays, theme park and attraction tickets, as well as reduced golf and other activity pricing.
• Education: Seniors interested in continuing education can join a lifelong learning program for a small fee and no credit, or pursue a college degree at some institutions with a grant or reduced tuition.
• Memberships: Various civic and social organizations encourage senior participation through a nominal fee or even free membership.