Healthcare | Holidays
Heartwarming Valentine's Ideas for Senior Residents
1/29/2025
Almost every popular sitcom shows at least one episode when its stars visit a senior living facility and hilarity ensues between the residents and guests. It happens because the guests make assumptions that seniors are fragile and stuck in a time warp. By the end of the episode, the seniors have made it crystal clear that they want fun, engaging activities and don’t want to be treated with kid gloves.
Those sentiments should always be considered whenever planning a special event for this demographic. Seniors may be older, but they don’t want to be treated as such. Also, according to the National Institute on Aging (NIA), it’s important to plan enjoyable activities for seniors to help them avoid social isolation, which increases a person’s risk of high blood pressure, a weakened immune system, cognitive decline, depression, and anxiety.1
After the excitement of the holidays is over, it’s important to continue that blissful momentum at senior living facilities so that residents don’t feel like they’re forgotten. Valentine’s Day is a great opportunity to have some fun, from engaging activities to imaginative menu ideas. Senior Dining Association adds that “it’s about creating moments of joy and connection, making every resident feel valued and loved on this special day.”2
Go beyond red roses for Valentine’s Day at senior living facilities
Before any planning occurs, it’s first important to recruit at least a couple of residents to help with activities. It not only helps them feel like they’re part of the process, but it gives them something that breaks up the monotony of their days.
Plan a romcom movie night
Do not assume that the residents want to watch only classic movies. They may want to see newer movies advertised on television. That’s why it’s important to take a survey to ensure that they get what they want. If there are a lot of requests, consider hosting an entire week featuring romantic movies, culminating in a themed dinner at the facility. One of the nights can be a visit to the movie theater to see something current and to get out and about. And if you’re looking for ideas for themed movie nights, consider this well-curated list of romantic flicks from Leite’s Culinaria.3
Coordinate a chocolate-tasting event
It’s never too late to learn something new! Treat the residents to an afternoon of indulgence by organizing a chocolate-tasting session. Invite a local chocolatier to present an informal sensory activity that includes discussing the origins, flavors and pairings of various types of chocolates. Give the guests just enough to have them wanting more, then surprise them with a chocolate buffet station offering tasty options like Avocado Truffles, a Chocolate Shot with Raspberry Filling, White Chocolate Raspberry Iced Coffee and Chocolate Souffle Fries and Shake.
Develop a “Recipe of Love" sharing circle
Another grand idea to encourage resident participation is to ask them to share their favorite recipes that remind them of love, including family recipes, wedding cakes, travels, and other dishes. Compile the recipes into a “Recipe of Love” booklet for all to cherish. Make this activity extra special for residents by adding the dishes to the menus—along with the stories behind them—during Valentine’s Day week.
Create an unconventional Valentine’s Day-themed lunch or dinner
If you’re planning to transform the dining room into a Valentine’s Day-themed setting, be sure to make it feel like an experience. Don’t just trot out the same decorations tucked away for the occasion. Make the day feel special and relevant for the guests. Serve special dishes that are not only visually appealing, but they’re also inclusive and cater to diverse dietary needs. You can also make guests feel extra special by featuring heart-shaped name cards on every table. If it’s within budget, hire musicians to play jazz, blues, or classic songs everyone knows. Another idea is to hire a caricature artist, magician, or comedian to entertain residents.
Invite local students to spend the day with the seniors
It’s been stressed time and time again the importance of seniors spending quality time with young people. According to AARP, it improves their health and possibly their life spans as well.⁴ The occasion can also be used as an opportunity to teach young people to respect their elders. Develop relationships with local schools—elementary, high school, or colleges and universities—and have students create Valentine’s Day cards for seniors and deliver them in person. The in-person event can include the students enjoying lunch and other activities with their newly acquired Valentines.
Incorporate these recipe ideas into the Valentine’s Day menu(s)
Heart-healthy, Valentine’s Day-inspired dishes should be on the menus for this special occasion. Leave some room for a little decadence, as with the chocolate experience above, but it’s important to keep in mind that most residents are on restricted diets. Low-sodium, low-sugar, and plant-based menus do not mean that dishes should be low on inspiration and lack flavor. Here are some exciting examples for breakfast, lunch, dinner and dessert:
Breakfast
Breakfast Pizza
Made with roasted redskin potatoes, jalapeños, and plant-based breakfast sausage, this pizza can be designed extra special when it’s cut into a heart shape. View Recipe »
Spanish Tortilla
This is certain to be a crowd-pleaser for those who love to enjoy savory breakfast bites, especially those with global accents. View Recipe »
Sweet Potato Quinoa Bowl
Residents will delight in this wholesome, filling breakfast treat packed full of healthy ingredients, including oatmeal, quinoa, sweet potatoes, cranberries, pecans, and Fuji apples. View Recipe »
Lunch
Chicken & Fire-Roasted Vegetable Grain Bowl
These hearty bowls deliver good flavor with nutrition for those on restricted diets. View Recipe »
Noodle Bar
Make the experience fun and interactive for residents and allow them to customize ingredients for their dishes. View Recipe »
Redskin Potato and Onion Frittata
Paired with salad or soup, this practical, yet chic vegetarian dish makes for a fun option for picky eaters. View Recipe »
Dinner
Cauliflower Risotto with Pancetta, Asparagus, and Mushrooms
Introduce residents to this lighter alternative to traditional risotto featuring riced cauliflower tossed with crispy pancetta, asparagus, mushrooms and Parmesan cheese. View Recipe »
Flank Steak filled with Spinach and Cream Cheese
It’s all about presentation. And guests will be impressed with this modernized version of steak and creamed spinach. Feature flank steak filled with a creamy sauce that’s bright with vegetables on the menu. View Recipe »
Raspberry BBQ Sauce
Make ordinary BBQ sauce extraordinary with this zesty version made with Simplot Simple Goodness™ Fruit, IQF Raspberry Crumbles. It’s great for dressing up ribs. View Recipe »
Dessert
Avocado and Banana Ice Cream
The unconventional—and delicious— nondairy frozen delight is naturally sweetened by bananas. View Recipe »
Raspberry Scones
Who says scones are only for breakfast? Whip up a few batches for after dinner, pair them with coffee, and watch how quickly they disappear. View Recipe »
Raspberry Mango Cream-Filled Crepes
Decadent with honey, heavy cream, and cream cheese, these specialty desserts will add color to the menu. View Recipe »
1 Social isolation, loneliness in older people pose health risks
2 Interactive Valentine’s Day ideas for residents
3 Liete’s Culinaria, “The best romantic comedies for anyone who loves food”
4 Spending time with young people has its benefits
