Many seniors find themselves with an abundance of spare time on their hands. As many seniors have limited mobility and find their outdoor activities limited by the Upper Peninsula’s winters, movies, and TV shows are excellent sources of entertainment, laughter, and mental stimulation. No matter what your loved one’s area of interest is, there’s sure to be a television show or movie out there for them. Watching television can be great independent entertainment or a way for people of all ages to connect over a shared experience or interest.

Seniors may enjoy rediscovering favorite movies and TV shows from their youth. Familiar stories are easier to engage with and can provide a sense of comfort and give seniors an opportunity to reminisce. For seniors with memory loss, rewatching favorite movies can trigger happy memories. Sharing classic movies and TV shows with others is a great way for seniors to connect with others by sharing their favorite stories.

• I Love Lucy (Hulu) – classic sitcom
• Thoroughly Modern Millie (Xfinity) – fast-paced movie musical with a star-studded cast
• The Wizard of Oz (HBO Max) – a timeless and fantastical classic movie

Comedies are engaging and boost the viewer’s mood. These comedies can be enjoyed by people of all ages. Everyone could use a laugh!

• The Bucket List (HBO Max) – comedic road trip
• The Office (Peacock) – popular workplace comedy
• The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (Amazon) – comedy-drama set in the late 1950s

Period and historical dramas are very popular amongst many seniors. With dazzling costumes, compelling drama, and historical interests, period dramas provide entertainment and a chance to step into the past.

• Call the Midwife – drama following midwives in 1950s London
• Downton Abbey – drama set in early 20th-century Britain
• Pride and Prejudice – six-episode adaptation of Jane Austen’s classic novel

For those interested in educational content, documentaries and informative programs provide both entertainment and mental stimulation.

• Planet Earth (Amazon) – nature documentary series
• Secrets of the Castle (Amazon) – documentary about medieval castles
• Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey (Hulu) – informational exploration of space and time

With a wider array of television to choose from than ever before, it’s easy to find television shows and movies that feature older adults and their lives. Everyone likes to watch characters they can relate to. Seniors may enjoy movies and television shows that focus on the experience of aging or feature an older adult as the main character.

• Up (Disney+) – animated film about a widower
• The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (Amazon) – comedy-drama featuring British seniors
• Robot & Frank (Hulu) – a sweet sci-fi comedy-drama

Movie nights make perfect relaxing evenings. These movies can be enjoyed by the whole family, regardless of age.

• Fantastic Mr. Fox (Hulu) – stop-motion animated film about a family of foxes
• The Princess Bride (Disney+) – classic film with something for everyone
• Spirited Away (HBO Max) – animated film about a girl traveling to another world

Finding engaging activities and entertainment for seniors aging in place can be difficult. If your loved one lives in the Marquette area, including Negaunee, Ishpeming, Harvey, Skandia, and Gwinn, Marquette Home Care can provide companionship and help with daily activities, including entertainment. Call us for more information at 906-361-8022.

Sources:
https://www.thehelperbees.com/individuals/healthy-hive/great-movies-for-seniors-a-recommendation-list/
https://www.enlivant.com/blog/10-great-movies-for-senior-citizens