How to Plan a Movie Screening for Seniors

Watching movies together is not just an enjoyable pastime; it can also reduce isolation, foster friendships, stimulate empathy, and offer a much-needed mental break. Moreover, it's an excellent opportunity for reminiscing!

In the past, Hollywood's portrayal of elders might have leaned towards the forgetful, tired, and grumpy stereotypes. However, perceptions are shifting.Thanks in part to the influence of the baby boomer generation, the industry has begun to recognize the value of the "grey dollar."  

Nowadays, seniors are more often depicted as fun-loving, wise, adventurous, and dynamic characters. Furthermore, contemporary films are addressing health and age-related issues such as depression and dementia with much-needed compassion and respect.

Getting Started with Movie Screenings

If you haven't already introduced regular movie screenings at your senior care facility, now is the perfect time to start. Here's what you need to get going:

• A Large Screen: To ensure everyone can see the movie clearly.
• Good Speakers: For clear, immersive sound that fills the room.
• Snacks: Popcorn and ice cream add an authentic cinema touch to the experience.

Ideal Times for Screening Movies

Consider scheduling movie screenings on Saturday mornings or Friday afternoons before meals. This timing creates a wonderful opportunity for residents to engage in conversation and discussions around the dinner table, enriching their social experience.

Handling Movie Feedback and Debriefing

• Addressing Displeasure: If a resident expresses unhappiness with a movie, offer support and arrange for a follow-up discussion the next day. This can be an opportunity to explore underlying concerns and provide relief from any distress.
• Sharing Feedback: Resident feedback is valuable and should be shared with senior staff and documented properly. This helps in understanding their preferences and improving future movie selections.

Classic Movies on Ageing and Elders

	Mrs Palfrey at the Claremont – After she feels abandoned by her family in a retirement facility, an elderly lady strikes up a friendship with a young man. (2005 – Joan Plowright – Rupert Friend)
	Strangers in Good Company – Eight female seniors take a trip to the countryside. When their transport breaks down they spend time waiting for rescue in an isolated log cabin. They proceed to reminisce about their lives. It is a gem of a movie. (1990 - Mary Meigs, Cissy Meddings)
	The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel – A comedy-drama about a group of British retirees holidaying in India. (2012 - Judy Dench and Maggie Smith)
	Cocoon – Aliens return to Earth on a secret mission and give a group of senior citizens the opportunity to recapture their youth. (1985 –Don Amech – Wilford Brimley)
	The Straight Story – A simple classic film about siblings in their senior years. An elderly man visits his long estranged brother. (1999 - Richard Farnsworth)
	The Bucket List – Two terminally ill men escape from hospital with a list of things to do before dying. (2007 - Jack Nicholson – Morgan Freeman)
	Away from Her – Depicts the journey of a woman living with Alzheimer’s Disease and how it affects her and her family. (2006 – Julie Christie)
	Central Station – A lonely and retired teacher befriends a child and helps him search for his father. (1998 – Fernanda Montenegro)
	Driving Miss Daisy – When a wealthy, elderly woman is no longer allowed to drive she hires an African-American to be her driver. It is an inspiring story about friendship. (1989 - Jessica Tandy – Morgan Freeman)
	Trip to Bountiful – Set in the 1940’s in Houston, Texas. An elderly lady forced to live with her bossy son and daughter-in-law wants to see her hometown one last time. When her son prohibits her from going she escapes from the family’s clutches and sets off on her own. (1985 - Geraldine Page)
	Up – Pixar animated movie about a 78-year-old balloon salesman. (2009 – Pete Docter – Ed Asner)
	Harold and Maude – Young, rich, and obsessed with suicide, a 20 year old man meets an elderly lady at a funeral and falls in love with her! Not a movie for everyone, occasionally overstepping boundaries but without a doubt a classic dark comedy. It may be a good idea to disclose some of the story before presenting it to clients. (1971 – Ruth Gordon – Bud Cort)
	On Golden Pond – This film follows an elderly couple, played by Henry Fonda and Katharine Hepburn, as they spend their summer at their lakeside cottage. It explores themes of family dynamics, aging, and reconciliation.

Related:

• Holiday Movie Recommendations for the Elderly
• Famous Movie Quotes
• Fun Movie Quiz
• Hollywood Movie Quiz
• Cannes Film Festival Quiz

We'd love to hear your feedback!
What movies do your residents love to watch?