Blog
News, stories, and ideas for activity directors, therapeutic professionals, and senior caregivers.
- NewsJuly 29, 2026
playitforseniors.org
We've been busy!
Updates to the Play it for Seniors website as we continue building a free nationwide resource for activity directors, therapeutic professionals, caregivers, and senior living communities.
- NewsJune 25, 2026
Open a Door Campaign
A campaign to connect families, volunteers, and communities with seniors through open doors and shared experiences.
- Musical InstructionSeptember 30, 2025
Seniors Enjoy Singing and Playing Music!
Originally shared on playitforseniors.org on September 30, 2025.
- Virtual RealityAugust 31, 2025
axios.com
Massachusetts Seniors Are Expanding Their Horizons With Virtual Reality
Originally shared on playitforseniors.org on August 31, 2025.
- Music TherapistsJuly 31, 2025
shorturl.at
Joni Mitchell Used Music Therapy to Recover From a Catastrophic Stroke
https://shorturl.at/QH32p
- Art TherapyJune 30, 2025
ourparents.com
How Art Therapy Enhances Quality of Life for Dementia Patients
https://www.ourparents.com/senior-health/art-therapy-for-alzheimers
- Musical InstructionMay 31, 2025
petpartners.org
Pet Therapy for Senior Communities Nationwide
https://petpartners.org/partner/pet-partners-at-your-facility/submit-a-volunteer-opportunity
- Virtual RealityApril 28, 2025
rendever.com
Virtual Reality for Senior Communities
https://www.rendever.com/senior-living
- Music TherapistsMarch 31, 2025
The Benefits of Making Music for Older Adults
Originally shared on playitforseniors.org on March 31, 2025.
- Music TherapistsFebruary 28, 2025
Music Therapy Spotlight
A Play it for Seniors update highlighting music therapists working in senior communities.
- Musical InstructionJanuary 27, 2025
Play it for Seniors Has a New Look!
Play it for Seniors Has a New Look!
- Pet TherapyDecember 24, 2024
Welcome in the New Year With a Pet Therapist!
https://petpartners.org/partner/pet-partners-at-your-facility/submit-a-volunteer-opportunity
- Senior EntertainersNovember 30, 2024
Looking for Santa?
Originally shared on playitforseniors.org on November 30, 2024.
- Musical InstructionOctober 31, 2024
Find Local Entertainers for Senior Communities!
Find Entertainers
- Yoga with SeniorsSeptember 24, 2024
rb.gy
Find Yoga Instructors Nationwide
https://rb.gy/ez1c0e
- Pet TherapyAugust 26, 2024
PET THERAPY FOR SENIORS
https://petpartners.org/partner/pet-partners-at-your-facility/submit-a-volunteer-opportunity
- Virtual RealityJune 22, 2024
nytimes.com
In Nursing Homes, Virtual Reality Therapy Brings New Experiences
A New York Times feature on how VR therapy is being used with older adults in nursing homes.
- Pet TherapyMay 28, 2024
Pet Therapy Resources for Activity Directors
https://petpartners.org/
- Virtual RealityApril 20, 2024
Senior Community Virtual Reality!
https://www.rendever.com/
- Musical InstructionMarch 18, 2024
gigsalad.com
Senior Community Casino Night Made Simple
https://www.gigsalad.com/Variety/Casino-Night
- Senior Living ActivitiesFebruary 19, 2024
www.playitforseniors.org
Welcome Activity & Therapeutic Professionals
- Virtual RealityJanuary 18, 2024
washingtonpost.com
In nursing homes, VR is a hit. Is that a good thing?
https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2023/12/21/virtual-reality-eldercare-benefits-loneliness/
- Senior Living ActivitiesDecember 13, 2023
youtube.com
TikTok Loved These Iowa Senior Living Residents So Much, They Put Them in a Commercial!
Originally shared on playitforseniors.org on December 13, 2023.
- Music TherapistsNovember 16, 2023
retireguide.com
Music Therapy for Seniors
https://www.retireguide.com/retirement-life-leisure/healthy-aging/mental-wellness/music-therapy/#:~:text=Music%20therapy%20is%20one%20potential,music%20to%20improve%20social%20skills.
- Senior EntertainersOctober 24, 2023
www.playitforseniors.org
Originally shared on playitforseniors.org on October 24, 2023.
- Theatre ActingSeptember 21, 2023
Lights. Camera. Senior Center?
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/12/22/style/senior-center.html
- Elderly ActivitiesAugust 16, 2023
2119
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/02/01/business/dealbook/senior-retirement-communities.html
- Musical InstructionJuly 11, 2023
Hundreds of Local Casino Night Options Available Through Play it for Seniors
Find Entertainers
- Musical InstructionMay 26, 2023
Music Instruction for Seniors Nationwide
Find Music Instructors
- Musical InstructionApril 27, 2023
Art Therapy Resources for Senior Communities
Find Art Therapists
- Music TherapistsMarch 29, 2023
This Month’s Featured Senior Community Resource
American Music Therapy Association
- Senior Living ActivitiesFebruary 16, 2023
14 Categories of Entertainment, Therapy and the Arts for Senior Communities
Originally shared on playitforseniors.org on February 16, 2023.
- Senior Living ActivitiesJanuary 11, 2023
census.gov
Taking Control of Physical and Mental Well-Being in Your Golden Years
Nowadays, people are living longer than they have ever before. To put this into perspective, the life expectancy of a U.S. citizen increased by 30 years between 1900 and 2000. As you get older,…
- Senior Living ActivitiesDecember 26, 2022
https://playitforseniors.org/
Originally shared on playitforseniors.org on December 26, 2022.
- Senior EntertainersNovember 25, 2022
Play it for Seniors is a Non-Profit, Entertainment Marketplace Supporting Senior Community Wellness Nationwide
Originally shared on playitforseniors.org on November 25, 2022.
- Senior EntertainersOctober 18, 2022
Book Something Awesome for Your Next Event!
Find Entertainers
- Senior Living ActivitiesSeptember 28, 2022
10 FUN THINGS TO DO WITH SOMEONE IN A NURSING HOME OR ASSISTED LIVING
Originally shared on playitforseniors.org on September 28, 2022.
- Music at BedsideAugust 19, 2022
YouTube: The Benefits of Music for Seniors – Nothing Quite Like it
Originally shared on playitforseniors.org on August 19, 2022.
- Senior EntertainersJuly 22, 2022
2035
Originally shared on playitforseniors.org on July 22, 2022.
- Musical InstructionMay 17, 2022
“Some care facilities are giving older adults a way to visit their pasts to boost their well-being.”
https://www.nytimes.com/2022/05/06/well/mind/virtual-reality-therapy-seniors.html
- Virtual RealityApril 23, 2022
nypost.com
Older Americans are refusing to say “game over.”
https://nypost.com/2022/04/19/how-video-games-have-sucked-in-millions-of-seniors-citizens/
- Theatre ActingMarch 21, 2022
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/12/22/style/senior-center.html
Originally shared on playitforseniors.org on March 21, 2022.
- Art TherapyFebruary 12, 2022
well.blogs.nytimes.com
Using the Arts to Promote Healthy Aging
https://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2016/03/07/using-the-arts-to-promote-healthy-aging/
- Senior EntertainersJanuary 18, 2022
Betty White – Best Bloopers of all Time
Originally shared on playitforseniors.org on January 18, 2022.
- Elderly ActivitiesDecember 25, 2021
model55.com
5 New Year’s Party Ideas For Your Senior Living Community
Festive, easy-to-run New Year’s Eve party ideas tailored to senior living communities.
- Dance TherapyNovember 5, 2021
Never Too Old to Dance – Justin Timberlake
Originally shared on playitforseniors.org on November 5, 2021.
- Elderly ActivitiesOctober 4, 2021
Calming computer jitters: Help for the elderly who aren’t tech-savvy
https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/seniors-tech-help-getting-online/2021/07/09/d13fe374-d90c-11eb-8fb8-aea56b785b00_story.html
- Senior EntertainersSeptember 9, 2021
Instead of Bingo, Senior Housing Brings Opera Singers and Broadway Insiders to Residents
New York senior communities take advantage of the city’s cultural institutions by inviting artists and experts to their facilities.
- Musical InstructionJuly 14, 2021
voanews.com
Senior Communities Adopt Virtual Reality to Fight Dementia, Social Isolation
https://www.voanews.com/covid-19-pandemic/senior-communities-adopt-virtual-reality-fight-dementia-social-isolation
- Senior EntertainersJuly 2, 2021
10 Perfect Ideas for Retirement Community Entertainment
10 Perfect Ideas for Retirement Home Entertainment
- Senior Living ActivitiesJune 25, 2021
A Teenager Mistakenly Moved into a Senior Living Complex. TikTok Loved it.
Originally shared on playitforseniors.org on June 25, 2021.
- Musical InstructionJune 7, 2021
Senior Living Communities (2.7M Views)
Originally shared on playitforseniors.org on June 7, 2021.
- Elderly ActivitiesMay 6, 2021
fb.watch
Seniors in Senior Community Get Exclusive Mother’s Day Parade
https://fb.watch/5jC5piQx5p/
- Senior Entertainment During COVID-19April 8, 2021
Romance Blossoms for Seniors During Quarantine
Originally shared on playitforseniors.org on April 8, 2021.
- Elderly ActivitiesMarch 6, 2021
senioradvisor.com
10 YouTube Video Ideas To Make Your Senior Living Community POP!
Ten fun video concepts senior living communities can film and share on YouTube to showcase resident life.
- Senior Entertainment During COVID-19February 4, 2021
Senior Community Watches Super Bowl Parade in “Virtual Reality”
Originally shared on playitforseniors.org on February 4, 2021.
- Elderly ActivitiesJanuary 8, 2021
l.facebook.com
Flashback to 2017. Seniors in Senior Community Sing Valentine’s Day Carpool Karaoke. Can’t wait for Valentine’s Day 2022!
https://youtu.be/4zMVbgIBhPA
- Senior Entertainment During COVID-19December 26, 2020
facebook.com
Ohio Nursing Home Residents Go Deer Hunting in the Christmas Forest
https://www.facebook.com/groups/FRAPA1136/permalink/4192543797428377/
- Senior Entertainment During COVID-19November 21, 2020
Hungry, Hungry Hippo Seniors on the TODAY Show
Originally shared on playitforseniors.org on November 21, 2020.
- Elderly ActivitiesOctober 28, 2020
The Farrington at Tanglewood. Alan went for a bike ride using the new Smartboard in Memory Care! (BikeAround)
https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=3970773412937442
- Elderly ActivitiesOctober 13, 2020
Retirement Community TikToking its Way Through Quarantine WCPO TV Cincinnati
Originally shared on playitforseniors.org on October 13, 2020.
- Senior Entertainment During COVID-19September 21, 2020
cbsnews.com
CBS News: A Unique, Quarantine Movie Club for Seniors
https://www.cbsnews.com/video/a-quarantine-movie-club-for-seniors-millennials/
- Musical InstructionAugust 28, 2020
Just What Older People Didn’t Need – More Isolation
Originally shared on playitforseniors.org on August 28, 2020.
- Senior Entertainment During COVID-19August 17, 2020
linkedin.com
A Senior Community Room with a View: Her Own Irish Ballad
ttps://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:6700065200042729473/
- Senior Entertainment During COVID-19August 14, 2020
Washington Post
https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/2020/04/13/seniors-silver-lining-facetime-is-really-quite-unbelievable-me/
- Senior Entertainment During COVID-19August 7, 2020
Senior Living Center Begins Offering More Activities For Residents As Illinois Opens Back Up
Originally shared on playitforseniors.org on August 7, 2020.
- Senior Entertainment During COVID-19July 14, 2020
Technology Allowing Seniors to Stay in Touch with Families During Pandemic
Originally shared on playitforseniors.org on July 14, 2020.
- Elderly ActivitiesJuly 4, 2020
today.com
Pen pal program for nursing home residents gets a boost from Katie Couric
https://www.today.com/news/pen-pal-program-nursing-home-residents-gets-boost-katie-couric-t185827
- Elderly ActivitiesJune 16, 2020
A live therapy bull in Iowa retirement community giving seniors the ride of a lifetime
https://www.cbsnews.com/video/therapy-bull-giving-seniors-the-ride-of-a-lifetime/
- Senior EntertainersJune 2, 2020
“CURTAINUP!” is a 1 hour, free live stream broadcast to entertain aging loved ones in senior communities . The shows are Mon, Wed & Fri at 4 pm ET / 1 pm PT.
Originally shared on playitforseniors.org on June 2, 2020.
- Senior Entertainment During COVID-19May 22, 2020
Virtual Bingo And Livestream Concerts: The Show Goes On For Senior Communities | NBC News
Originally shared on playitforseniors.org on May 22, 2020.
- Senior Entertainment During COVID-19May 11, 2020
John Williams & the Boston Pops’ Inspiring Tribute to Today’s Frontline Heroes Across the U.S.
Originally shared on playitforseniors.org on May 11, 2020.
- Senior Living ActivitiesApril 28, 2020
Development of a Program to Support VA Community Living Centers’ Quality Improvement
Originally shared on playitforseniors.org on April 28, 2020.
- Elderly ActivitiesApril 27, 2020
Washington Post: 16 Year-Old Girl Saves Bingo in a DC Veteran Community Home
https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/2019/08/27/broken-bingo-machine-left-dc-veterans-retirement-home-mourning-year-old-girl-decided-help/
- Elderly ActivitiesApril 16, 2020
abcstlouis.com
ABC News: Matthew McConaughey Hosts Virtual Bingo for Senior Living Residents 4.6.2020
https://abcstlouis.com/news/entertainment/matthew-mcconaughey-hosts-virtual-bingo-game-for-senior-living-residents
- Elderly ActivitiesMarch 5, 2020
The Bachelor for Seniors Set to Premier on ABC
Originally shared on playitforseniors.org on March 5, 2020.
- Elderly ActivitiesFebruary 12, 2020
Local Senior Community Entertainment
Find Entertainers
- Musical InstructionJanuary 20, 2020
Activity & Therapeutic Professionals: 16,000 Local Music Instructors Enhance the Lives of Seniors
Originally shared on playitforseniors.org on January 20, 2020.
- Music TherapistsJanuary 7, 2020
Music Therapy Month
American Music Therapy Association
- Elderly ActivitiesDecember 3, 2019
tasteofhome.com
4 Things That Can Help Seniors Have a Better Quality of Life by Karen Weeks
Searching for the secrets to healthy aging? The real key to maintaining your physical and mental health as a senior is making the right changes to your routine habits and choices. Even the…
- Dance TherapyNovember 26, 2019
This Week’s Feature: Find 1,100 Dance Therapists Nationwide
Find A Dance/Movement Therapists
- Elderly ActivitiesNovember 7, 2019
Play it for Seniors, a Non-Profit Organization is Ranked #1 in the U.S.
Originally shared on playitforseniors.org on November 7, 2019.
- Musical InstructionOctober 17, 2019
naplesnews.com
Naples, Florida Ranks as the #1 Place to Retire Again
https://www.naplesnews.com/story/money/business/local/2019/10/09/naples-best-retirement-florida-smartassett-rankings/3918177002/
- Elderly ActivitiesOctober 3, 2019
16M Views: Opening Prayer about Getting Old at the Caregiver of the Year Dinner – Wait For It
Originally shared on playitforseniors.org on October 3, 2019.
- Elderly ActivitiesSeptember 2, 2019
Cyber-Seniors’ Documentary Trailer Makes You Smile
Originally shared on playitforseniors.org on September 2, 2019.
- Elderly ActivitiesAugust 12, 2019
10 YouTube Video Ideas To Make Your Senior Living Community POP!
https://www.facebook.com/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fshar.es%2FaXpGcC&t=10%20YouTube%20Video%20Ideas%20To%20Make%20Your%20Senior%20Living%20Community%20POP!%20-%20SeniorAdvisor.com%20Blog
- Elderly ActivitiesJuly 29, 2019
Entertainment: A Senior Prom for Seniors
Originally shared on playitforseniors.org on July 29, 2019.
- Virtual RealityJuly 9, 2019
Grandparents React to Virtual Reality
Originally shared on playitforseniors.org on July 9, 2019.
- Senior EntertainersJune 17, 2019
lux-review.com
2019 Hospitality Awards
Originally shared on playitforseniors.org on June 17, 2019.
- Elderly ActivitiesJune 3, 2019
Don’t just sit there: Never a dull moment at today’s 55-and-up communities
https://www.washingtonpost.com/realestate/dont-just-sit-there-never-a-dull-moment-at-todays-55-and-up-communities/2017/11/01/1ea33c78-aea6-11e7-a908-a3470754bbb9_story.html?noredirect=on&utm_term=.…
- Virtual RealityMay 16, 2019
healthtechmagazine.net
How Virtual Reality Improves Senior Living
https://healthtechmagazine.net/article/2017/08/how-virtual-reality-improves-senior-living
- Elderly ActivitiesApril 27, 2019
A Future for Seniors in Margaritaville
https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2018/11/14/magazine/tech-design-longevity-margaritaville.html?mtrref=www.google.com&gwh=FC52268044C71ED07911C509974B6AD9&gwt=pay
- Musical InstructionApril 11, 2019
Singer Spontaneously Stops to Perform with 91 Year Old Piano Player in London Train Station
Originally shared on playitforseniors.org on April 11, 2019.
- Virtual RealityMarch 26, 2019
seniorhousingnews.com
Touchdown! Senior Community Residents Watch Super Bowl Parade in Virtual Reality
Benchmark Residents Experience Super Bowl Parade, Thanks to Latest Virtual Reality Tech
- Best CollegesMarch 14, 2019
universities.com
2018 Best Therapeutic Recreation/Recreational Therapy Colleges
https://www.universities.com/programs/therapeutic-recreation-recreational-therapy-degrees
- Music TherapistsFebruary 18, 2019
nbcnews.com
NBC Nightly News, February 17, 2019 – Growing Movement Uses Power of Music in Alzheimer’s Treatment
https://www.nbcnews.com/nightly-news/video/growing-movement-uses-power-of-music-in-alzheimer-s-treatment-1444117571735
- Art TherapyFebruary 1, 2019
A Guide to the Arts & Long Term Care
Bringing the Arts to Life in Long Term Care
- Elderly ActivitiesJanuary 17, 2019
Activity & Therapeutic Professionals Support 4M Seniors Each Day
LinkedIn Post
- Pet TherapyJanuary 3, 2019
This Week’s Feature is “Pet Partners”
“Pet Partners”
- Elderly ActivitiesDecember 10, 2018
assisted-living-directory.com
98 Entertainment Ideas From a Creative Applicant
98 Entertainment Ideas
- Musical InstructionNovember 27, 2018
Seniors with Dementia React to Puppies
Seniors with Dementia React to Puppies
- Elderly ActivitiesNovember 14, 2018
Holiday Party Ideas for Activity Directors
Holiday Party Ideas for Activity Directors
- Dance TherapySeptember 25, 2018
billboard.com
Billboard Top 100 Songs of All Time
Billboard Top 100 Hits of All Time
- Elderly ActivitiesSeptember 17, 2018
health.usnews.com
US News: 6 Things to Know About Recreational Therapists
US News
- Dance TherapySeptember 4, 2018
dancestudiolife.com
Best Practices: Dance Therapy
Best Practices: Dance
- Elderly ActivitiesAugust 28, 2018
The Entertainment Evolution in Senior Communities
Originally shared on playitforseniors.org on August 28, 2018.
- Art TherapyAugust 17, 2018
chicagotribune.com
Art & Dance Therapy for Senior Community Residents
http://www.chicagotribune.com/brandpublishing/livingwell/ct-the-joyful-benefits-of-creative-expression-20160826-story.html#
- Musical InstructionAugust 7, 2018
Pet Therapy Insights
https://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2016/02/29/turning-your-pet-into-a-therapy-dog/
- Musical InstructionJuly 30, 2018
chopra.com
5 Beginner Yoga Poses for Seniors
https://chopra.com/articles/5-beginner-yoga-poses-for-seniors
- Musical InstructionJuly 19, 2018
A Senior-Living Industry First!
Originally shared on playitforseniors.org on July 19, 2018.
- Elderly ActivitiesJune 27, 2018
Survey Results for Senior Living Community “Casino Night”
https://playitforseniors.org/find-entertainers/
- Elderly ActivitiesJune 22, 2018
Senior Entertainment Ideas That Work for Any Holiday
https://www.gigsalad.com/blog/retirement-home-entertainment/
- Music at BedsideJune 18, 2018
Join for Free and Get More Gigs!
https://playitforseniors.org/entertainers-free-signup/
- Elderly ActivitiesJune 14, 2018
surveymonkey.com
Take Our Casino Night Survey
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/X3XZ9ZG
- Music at BedsideJune 11, 2018
Music’s Power to Heal: Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Students Perform At The 2018 Tony Awards
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=srkj63VBSHM
- Virtual RealityJune 8, 2018
CBS News on Virtual Reality for Seniors
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h4AnJhAYWdQ
- Elderly ActivitiesJune 1, 2018
forbes.com
Forbes: Virtual Reality for Seniors Makes the Top 7 List
https://www.forbes.com/sites/zarastone/2017/12/13/the-top-seven-startups-for-souped-up-senior-care/#8b9e1c5376cf
- Musical InstructionMay 23, 2018
wsj.com
Seniors Embrace Opportunity to Learn to Play an Instrument
https://www.wsj.com/articles/the-joy-of-learning-to-play-an-instrument-later-in-life-1492999441
- Music at BedsideMay 18, 2018
aliveinside.us
Alive Inside Award-Winning Documentary
Alive Inside Documentary – Dementia
- HospiceMay 8, 2018
Singers Step in to Ease the Passage at Bedside
Singers Step in to Ease the Passage
- Elderly ActivitiesMay 5, 2018
abcnews.go.com
Jimmy Buffett-Inspired Margaritaville Retirement Communities Coming Soon
Jimmy Buffett-inspired Margaritaville retirement community coming soon
- Music TherapistsMay 5, 2018
Music Therapy Offers an End-of-Life Grace Note
Music Therapy in the NY Times
- Art TherapyApril 25, 2018
arttherapyblog.com
Art Therapy for Seniors
http://www.arttherapyblog.com/c/art-therapy-seniors/#.Wqpv62rwbcc
- Virtual RealityApril 24, 2018
bostonglobe.com
Virtual Reality for Seniors
https://www.bostonglobe.com/business/2016/05/12/mit-startup-lets-seniors-enter-world-virtual-reality/XbaWge6EseufMYu2tZ87TN/story.html
- Theatre ActingApril 23, 2018
Older Actors are Taking to the Stage
https://www.wsj.com/articles/older-actors-are-taking-to-the-stage-1426475066
- Art TherapyApril 21, 2018
Using the Arts to Promote Healthy Aging
https://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2016/03/07/using-the-arts-to-promote-healthy-aging/
- Senior Living CitiesApril 3, 2018
realestate.usnews.com
U.S. News: Top 100 Places to Retire in 2018
U.S. News Selects Top 100 Places to Retire