Halloween costumes that lift seniors’ spirits and bring joy
When it comes to major events in October, Halloween is the first that comes to mind.
Around this time of year, many day service centers and senior facilities hold Halloween events.
With Halloween, the food and sweets are fun, but the costume contest is the real highlight.
Not only does Halloween liven things up, but wearing outfits that are different from usual also lifts everyone’s spirits.
In this article, we’ll introduce Halloween costume ideas recommended for older adults.
We’ve gathered costume ideas that are easy to wear for seniors who might feel shy about dressing up, as well as for staff members.
We hope you’ll find them helpful for your Halloween costumes!
Uplifting for seniors! Fun Halloween costumes (1–10)
Demon Slayer: Tanjiro
How about cosplaying as Tanjiro Kamado, the protagonist of the hugely popular manga and anime Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba that became a social phenomenon? Tanjiro’s trademark is his green-and-black checkered haori.
You can make it yourself, but since the series is so popular, there are plenty of adult-sized costumes available for purchase.
Under the haori, he wears the Demon Slayer Corps uniform, but if you don’t have anything similar, a black turtleneck and pants will do the trick! Then tuck a toy katana from a 100-yen shop into your belt.
If you’re planning to meet kids on Halloween, they’ll be thrilled and shout, “It’s Tanjiro!”
jack-o’-lantern
Here’s an idea for making a ghost pumpkin out of construction paper.
Create a circular base sized to fit your head, then attach short, strip-shaped pieces of construction paper around it, leaving a little slack so they drape softly.
Fold the top and bottom edges of each strip slightly, like making a seam allowance, and tape the folded parts to the inside of the top and bottom of the base.
Be careful not to glue or tape any other areas.
Once about two-thirds of the base is covered, attach the facial features to the remaining open section.
Your ghost pumpkin is complete! Since you just wear it on your head, it might be an easy option even for those who feel a bit shy about full costumes.
ghost cape
Let’s make a “ghost cape” using a large drawstring pouch from the 100-yen shop.
First, cut the bottom of the pouch—the bag part—into big petal-like shapes with scissors.
Next, remove the drawstrings, then reinsert just one string and wrap masking tape around the end so it won’t slip out.
Finally, stick on face parts made of felt in the center of the pouch, and you’re done! You can use an orange pouch to make a jack-o’-lantern, or a white pouch to create a sheet-style ghost.
Since it’s a costume you simply drape over the shoulders, it’s easy to try!
Kiki (Kiki’s Delivery Service)
Kiki, the young witch who stars in Studio Ghibli’s beloved film Kiki’s Delivery Service.
When it comes to her outfit, it’s all about the plain black dress and the big red bow on her head.
The dress has a loose, relaxed look, so it might be easy and comfortable for seniors to wear as well.
The large bow can be easily made using a headband or similar accessories.
For her companion, the black cat Jiji, prepare a plush toy or make one out of origami and keep it by your side.
If you add a broom, it will really complete the Kiki-the-witch vibe!
bat
Let’s try a bat costume, a motif often used for Halloween decorations! Even if you just throw on a black poncho, it will look the part, so there’s no need to overthink it.
That said, simply wearing a poncho can make you look like a witch or Dracula, so cutting the hem into slightly jagged, bat wing–like shapes will make it more convincing.
As Halloween approaches, headbands with bat designs are often sold at 100-yen shops, and wearing one is also recommended.
Harry Potter
Costumes inspired by the world of Harry Potter are likely to delight older adults as well.
How about preparing wands and cloaks and fully becoming the characters? Making simple props can be a fun, independent activity.
Sharing the time spent choosing and preparing costumes can also create wonderful memories.
It seems like you could all enjoy a moment of smiles, feeling like wizards.
Just like Harry Potter’s magic, you’ll be wrapped in a joyful atmosphere.
Let’s enjoy an exciting Halloween together with older adults.
Snow White
The Snow White costume looks wonderful! The vivid blue and yellow dress with a red ribbon is eye-catching and glamorous.
This outfit lets the wearer’s personality shine and is sure to liven up any event.
Because it’s simple, even those new to costumes can enjoy it—that’s the key point.
Let’s compliment each other’s transformations and spend a time full of smiles.
As a costume that makes older adults’ hearts flutter, Snow White is a perfect choice.
Let’s all have fun dressing up together and make lovely memories!