Charades Game for the Elderly

Charades is a game suitable for all ages! It involves acting out words or phrases printed on cards.

A game of charades provides a wonderful two-way communication opportunity that can strengthen interpersonal skills. It is also a great work-out for the brain!

This is an adapted version of the game, and there is no time limit. A reasonable time should be provided to guess the action depending on the ability of clients. Participants can be seated at the table as most of the action words and phrases provided require upper limbs only.

This is a game full of laughter, so gather as many spectators as possible!

What you need

• Two teams of enthusiastic residents - each team should have four participants
• Set of cards with action words or phrases (download with activity)
• Pen and paper to keep score (optional)

How to Play Charades

Object of the Game:

• To correctly convey the most words or phrases to team mates using mime only.

Acting or Miming

• A different person mimes what’s on a card each turn, and the rest of the team tries to guess what is written on the card.

A Turn

• First player selects a card from the hat or bowl (no one else can see it) and ponders over it for a short while.
• He then starts acting out the content of the card; no sounds, props, or clues are allowed.
• Teammates call out words and the actor points to anyone that says something useful.
• If the right answer is guessed the actor puts his index finger on the right side of nose to indicate O.K. The actor’s team scores one point for his team.
• If after a reasonable time the team doesn’t guess the action, there is no score.

Note: Alternatively, you could play a less competitive game without teams. Some clients act out the words or phrases and some answer it.

Providing Feedback on Guesses

• A correct guess - tap your index finger against your nose and point to the person who is right.
• Show the audience is getting warmer - wipe your hand over your forehead as though you are wiping away sweat.
• Show the audience is getting colder - fold your arms and shiver.

Extending The Game

When clients are well acquainted with the beginners' list of actions you may try something more challenging.

Make your own card list with the names of well-known celebrities, tv sitcoms, songs, and themed actions such as Christmas, Halloween, Valentine’s Day.

Charade Clues for Mixed Categories

To indicate a location: Make a circle in the air and point to it, as if pointing in a map.

To indicate a movie: Pretend to hold an old fashioned camera.

To indicate a book: Fold and unfold your hands as if you were opening a book.

To indicate a song: Pretend to be singing with a microphone in one hand.

To indicate plural: Hook little fingers together into each other.

To indicate past-tense: Point with thumb backwards over the shoulder.<

Signals for Vowels

"A" - Place index fingers together to form an "A" frame.

"I" - Point at the corner of one eye with the index finger.

"O" - Middle finger and thumb touching forming an "O".

"U" - Hold hand up showing the back of the hand then fold three finger leaving only the index and the thumb to show a "U".

We'd love to hear your feedback!