Hi everyone.  I know I haven't properly introduced myself.  I promise to do so in the next couple days when everything here is calmed down.  I have been working to set up a volunteer situation at a wildlife rehab center and have had some ballooning events the last few weeks.

I was asked today-kind of last minute-to do some ballooning for the store I work at for their "Senior Wednesday" event.  I have done other events in the store and received great reviews...but this is different.  I've never done an event for an older crowd and am very unsure:

1. Will they even be interested in this sort of thing?
2.  What can I make for Seniors that they will enjoy?
 
I plan on doing some fancy flowers for the ladies, including roses in clear balloons, but beyond that I'm stumped-for other options for the ladies and for anything for the men?  Has anyone ever done an event like this?  Would you care to share your thoughts?  If it helps I believe I'd be considered an "intermediate" twister.  I can twist a lot of sculptures....but I cannot just look at something and make it right away...please, any ideas you have would be great!

Thank you....have a great Play day!

Whilst I have not done an event before for senior citizens alone. I have spoken and twisted things for them at other events. Fancy flowers are always good for the ladies (As I've found), but not the ones that are held in the hands. Flowers that can be attached the wrist and button holes tend to go down  the best therefore hands are kept free. For the men whilst not so many actually want one, a walking stick is one of favourites to make for them.

Hope this helps

You need to speak to Roger. He regularly does care homes for the elderly and they love it. There is a picture on here of 3 ladies (all over 90) sitting with various hats on. Not specifically geared to older people either - one had Minnie Mouse ears on. They seem to love it!

I have worked at a lot of care homes and found that the older population are no diffident to the rest. Ladies do like flowers and I find that the men like monkeys (Don's version) Dogs not the 3 twist dog but a good one made with several balloons goes down well.

Just have fun and they will love what you do. You will always get the odd one that is grumpy but just let them pass by, there will be plenty that will love what you do. to get started I will frequently make a simple rose and give to a lady that is with someone they will frequently say where's mine.

have fun
Roger

Have fun with them...All the stuff you do for kids will work for them.

Attach your creations to their walking frames or other items.

Did a one chaps walking stick with balloons wrapped around it.

Fuzz

I have found when I have done family events and weddings that the 'grannies' leave with armfulls of balloons, particularly flowers, teddies and hearts (with teddies), but they are always for the granchildren who couldnt come, nudge nudge wink wink.

Thanks for the advice everyone.  Based on what you all have said and some experience we have with the local crowd(including reactions from our display place in a local chiropractor's office) I have some ideas. I'd still love to add, delete, or change items based on any feedback you might add aditionally.  

I should add that I have to have a menu because I get all frantic when I try to go by suggestions or memories.  I am working on a card system to hopefully be unveilled next month which will allow me to make more stuff...too soon for now...So, here is my list-could you take a look and tell me what you think?

Rainbow
Platypus
Flower
Hello Kitty Bracelet(some kids will be attending, surely)
Ladybug Bracelet(popular amongst the adults I work with and at parties)
Sleeping Beauty
Gone Fishing(pole with fish)
Cowgirl(it's "country" around here....been popular since I started making them)
Seal
Teddy on a heart
Dog
Betty Boop and possibly Elvis
Bunny
Cat
Jetplane or Submarine
Pegasus or Centaur(my character just loves fantasy stuff)

Additionally, I am considering making some large pieces before hand and raffling them off(free, of course) every half hour-about the average shopping trip in our store.  

What do you think?

Good morning Professor Play,
In my experience the only difference between twisting for "seniors" and anyone else is that they are usually more open to having fun.  

As for your list how about: a frog (ladies of all ages love frogs), an elephant, a hula girl (for the gentlemen), a lion, a monkey, and/or tiger?

Good luck with your gig!
Happy twisting,
Bonnie, The Balloon Lady

The first time i was book for marks and Spencer pensioners Christmas party i was a little apprehensive, at first they thought what have we got here, after a couple of balloons and light banter. I was mobbed.  Remember have fun and entertain but be careful when your time is up that when the fun starts if you thought a five year old was hard to say I'm finished.  My advices give yourself a little extra time to get to the next job

remember to enjoy yourself and they will too.

kevin