What are some suggestions for putting together programming for seniors?

Programming for older adults can be great fun for both the audience and the presenter as long as we think about their information needs and are aware of a few key differences in communication.  Outreach to senior groups can be easily facilitated in locations like assisted living homes, adult day care centers, senior centers or in the library.  We simply need to prepare properly for this audience. 

Sure, there are a myriad of topics that can be presented.  We can arrange to bring in experts from the community to speak about health issues, Medicare, elder law, consumer protection and fraud, life and death issues.  I could go on and on.  Truth is these are great.  They educate the audience and, most important, get seniors into the library.  Your job is to supplement the information that the speaker imparts and provide ideas on library resources related to the topic.  Look at the program schedule for almost any public library system and you’ll see presentations on these topics.  If this is your charge and you need ideas on what’s topical with seniors today you need look no further than AARP for suggestions.

But seniors want to be entertained too.  Preparing a program for them need not just be something oriented toward ‘old’ people.  Isn’t gaming for seniors among the hot topics in library programming today?  Some of the most useful programs in the entertainment category are those that challenge the audience, make them think and are interactive.  It’s no scoop that the grey generation has had more life experiences and wants to share what they have learned.  Give them that opportunity and you will have a winning program on your hands.  It is a misconception that older adults equal retired persons equal people who lack energy and, therefore need to be programmed with kid gloves! 

Allow participants to talk about what they were doing or what life was like in the past. Try programs about the way things used to be, such as: 

• Showing photos and images.
• Having a discussion centered on an old telephone book (its amazing how much you can do with it!)
• Talking about old television shows using a TV Guide from the past
• Using the front page of newspapers that shows a historic event to start a discussion.

Here are a few suggestions:

• Seniors like to share their expertise.  Allow them to interrupt so that they can speak - plan on it.
• Be patient.  It may take a little longer for a senior to make their point.
• Use a microphone.  A portable mic is great to that you can pass it those who have something to share.
• Be sure the program is held in a quiet room away from noise.  Seniors may not hear as well, so reducing the amount of outside chatter and environmental noise helps.
• Make sure anything visual is projected large enough for all to see.
• If you plan to introduce books be sure they are available in large print or audio formats.
• Allow a few extra minutes for the program.  It may take seniors a bit longer to enter and exit a room.
• Do not use lengthy video presentations.  Senior groups tend to get bored very quickly.  They appreciate that you have prepared something special for them.
• Interact with someone who participates.  Follow up their comment with a question-show you’re interested and that their thoughts matter.
• Plan on a flexible room setup and leave plenty of space for those with mobility issues. Persons who use wheelchairs, walkers and canes should not be relegated to the back of the room or a designated area.
• Expect movement from the group.  If someone has to get up to leave the room, take it in stride.

Just keep the simple differences in mind and you will find senior programming is among the most rewarding activities we can plan.  If we truly want libraries to become community centers we should include seniors in our plans - they make up one of our most reachable constituencies.