Finding the perfect Halloween costume can be challenging for seniors and the elderly.

But with a little adaption and creativity, you can create a look that is comfortable, safe, and lets you join in on the seasonal fun.

The key is picking costumes that align with your needs and interests while allowing you to enjoy Halloween fully. 

• Nostalgic ideas like Rosie the Riveter or Fonzie, creative options like a human car wash, or silly costumes like a garden gnome are all great choices. 
• Costumes representing past careers as a nurse, golfer or chef can be fun too. 
• Even clever couple’s ideas like a deck of cards or salt and pepper shakers are options.

With these adaptations in mind, you can have a spirited, safe, and comfortable experience this Halloween season.

Nostalgic Costumes

Nostalgic costumes remind you of your childhood or younger years. For example, dressing up as a flapper or hippie, or a character from a classic movie or TV show they enjoyed. This can spark fun memories.

1. Sherlock Holmes with magnifying glass and pipe
2. Glinda the Good Witch from Wizard of Oz in a pink dress and crown
3. Cleopatra with dramatic Egyptian eye makeup and jewelry
4. Charlie Chaplin with bowler hat, cane, and toothbrush mustache
5. Catwoman from the 60s Batman in a skintight suit with cat ears
6. Gilligan from Gilligan’s Island with his signature red shirt and white sailor hat
7. The Lone Ranger wearing a mask and cowboy hat
8. Carmen Miranda with her tutti frutti hat and fruit accessories
9. Groucho Marx with glasses, cigar, and drawn-on eyebrows/mustache
10. Bettie Page 1950s pinup girl with dark hair and bangs
11. Twiggy as 60s mod British model with a minidress and fake eyelashes
12. Jackie Kennedy wearing her iconic pink Chanel suit and pillbox hat
13. Mr. Monopoly with a white beard, top hat, and cane
14. Arnold Schwarzenegger as the Terminator with a leather jacket and sunglasses
15. Sally from Peanuts in a blue dress with blond wig hair with bangs
16. Mary Tyler Moore as Laura Petrie in capri pants and hair scarf
17. Marge Simpson with a tall blue bouffant wig, green dress, and pearls
18. Willy Wonka with plum-colored coat, hat, and cane
19. Scarlett O’Hara from Gone With the Wind in a big hoop skirt dress
20. Bob Dylan with acoustic guitar, harmonica, and big curly wig

Career and Hobby Costumes

Costumes that represent your past career or current hobby – such as dressing up as a nurse, teacher, golfer, gardener, etc. Things you took pride in and enjoyed during their working years.

1. Chef in a white coat with a chef’s hat
2. Police officer with badge and hat
3. Farmer with denim overalls and straw hat
4. Mechanic with blue jumpsuit and tool belt
5. A judge in a black robe with a gavel
6. Astronaut in silver spacesuit with NASA logo
7. Pilot in uniform with captain’s hat
8. Firefighter with helmet and reflective gear
9. Cowboy/Cowgirl with hat, boots and chaps
10. Tennis player with racquet and tennis whites
11. Golfer in polo and plaid pants with clubs
12. Ballerina in a tutu with tights and ballet slippers
13. Painter with smock, beret, and paint palette
14. Gardener with a floral shirt, gloves, shovel, and watering can
15. Scientist in a lab coat with goggles and flasks
16. Rock musician with guitar, wig, and face makeup
17. Football player in jerseys, helmet and shoulder pads
18. Fisherman/woman with fishing vest, hat and rod
19. Dog walker with leash and tennis balls
20. Doll collector with vintage dresses and dolls

RELATED: Outdoor Halloween Activities for Seniors

Costumes for Mobility Limitations

Costumes that work around mobility limitations using a walker or wheelchair decorated for Halloween. For example, dressing up as a mummy with bandages over joints. Costumes with minimal accessories that are easy to put on are helpful here too.

1. Royal king or queen sitting on a throne (decked out wheelchair)
2. M&M candy in a colorful top/hat, using a cane as a prop
3. Matador in traditional Spanish outfit with walking stick cape
4. Octogenarian birthday boy/girl with sash, hat and noisemaker
5. Injured football player in jersey and helmet, using crutches as props
6. Pirate with an eye patch, bandana, and a parrot on the shoulder in a “ship” wheelchair
7. Hockey player with a blacked-out tooth in a penalty box
8. Game show contestant seated with a buzzer in front of them
9. Lincoln Memorial statue with body paint
10. Race car driver in jumpsuit and racing cap using a wheelchair as the car
11. Ghost with white face paint and a top sheet over shoulders and body
12. Old-time director holding a vintage movie clapboard
13. Disco dancer sitting down with wig, sequins, and bell bottoms
14. Paper doll connected to a wheelchair with string or ribbon
15. Charlie Chaplin with bowler hat, cane, and fake mustache
16. Wise owl with wings attached to arms sitting on a nest
17. “Boxed” gift wearing wrapped box top around shoulders
18. Sitting pumpkin wearing stem hat and orange lap blanket
19. Octopus with stuffed tentacles attached to an electric wheelchair

Warm and Comfortable Costumes

Costumes that are warm and comfortable since some older adults may be more sensitive to cold. Having costumes with long sleeves, layers, and warm accessories like shawls or blankets can help.

1. Scarecrow with flannel shirt and overalls, straw hat
2. Hot cocoa with marshmallows – fleece brown outfit and white beanie hat
3. Musketeer with tunic, leggings, cape and feathered hat
4. Queen in a royal gown, ermine cape, and crown
5. Viking in a warm tunic, leggings, helmet, and fur vest
6. Santa Claus with a red hat, jacket, and black boots
7. Gladiator with arm & leg warmers, shield and helmet
8. Gothic vampire with a long velvet coat and brocade vest
9. Wizard with long robe, cloak, and knit scarf
10. Skier in a winter jacket, beanie, and mittens
11. Lumberjack with flannel, jeans, boots, and knit cap
12. Eskimo with a fur-lined hood, warm gloves, and boots
13. Medieval knight in chain mail, tunic, shield, and helmet
14. Everest mountain climber with down jacket, oxygen mask
15. Sherpa guide wearing warm layers and a backpack
16. Nature photographer with vest, jeans, boots, and camera
17. Maharaja wrapped in colorful silks and jewels
18. Fortune teller/gypsy with shawls, scarves, and head scarf
19. Beekeeper with long sleeves, gloves, and netted hat
20. Penguin with black/white layers, flippers, and orange beak

Costumes For Medical Devices

Costumes that are adaptable for medical devices account for oxygen tanks, hearing aids, glasses, etc. This makes sure it’s easy for them to wear and still participate in the fun of Halloween.

1. Superhero with oxygen tank holder disguised as jetpack
2. Safari explorer with hearing aids camouflaged as high-tech gadgets
3. Pirate with an eye patch over one eye, parrot sitting on an oxygen tank
4. Matador with hearing aids hidden under a traditional hat
5. Astronaut with oxygen tubes and tank tucked into spacesuit
6. Cyborg with glasses and hearing aids incorporated into robotic costume
7. NERD (Non-athletic regular guy) with pocket protectors for pens/medical tools
8. Soldier with a medic pouch for medical devices on the utility belt
9. Biker with oxygen hooked to motorcycle, hearing aids hidden under a bandana
10. Scuba diver with oxygen worked into the diving tank and gear
11. Bird watcher with binoculars and pockets for medical equipment
12. Royal guard standing at attention, hearing aids disguised under a hat
13. Circus ringleader with hidden oxygen tank and hearing aid blended into costume
14. Surfer with hearing aids designed to look like headphones, glasses with leash strap
15. Golfer in polo and cap with hearing aids camouflaged as Bluetooth earpiece
16. Chef with ample pockets in apron to hold medical tools
17. Octopus with oxygen tubes and hearing aids incorporated into tentacles
18. Mermaid with seashells placed over hearing aid and oxygen hooked to clamshell bra
19. Glamorous 1930s singer with hearing aid and oxygen worked into feather boa wrap
20. Renaissance faire king or queen with an elegant case for devices attached to a belt

Funny Costumes

Costumes that spark laughter and smiles such as dressing in a silly or humorous costume can lighten the mood. Things like dressing as a flamingo, or leprechaun, or wearing a funny mask.

1. Garden gnome with pointy red hat and fishing rod
2. One-person horse costume with front and back openings
3. Inflatable T-Rex that they can sit inside to operate
4. “Under Construction” outfit with orange cones and caution tape
5. Giant banana holding bunches of balloon bananas
6. “Jailbird” in black and white striped clothes with ball and chain
7. Stick figure costume made with foam board attached to clothes
8. Mismatched patterned clothes and a wild wig as a clown
9. Funhouse mirror bodysuit with distorted reflections
10. Human car wash with scrub brushes attached to hat and gloves
11. Hot dog wearing bun hat and accessories like mustard and ketchup
12. Duck with bright yellow raincoat and matching rain boots
13. Candy corn outfit with striped cone hat in orange, yellow, and white
14. Brightly colored umbrella dress with detachable umbrella hat
15. Grandma Moses old lady costume with ear trumpet and shawl
16. One-person cow costume with front and back cow pattern outfits
17. Surprise box with costume hidden inside, popping out when opened
18. Stilts under long coats to make them appear 8-10 feet tall
19. Mismatched pajamas with wild hair and fuzzy slippers
20. Mariachi band member with a frilly shirt, pants, and a giant sombrero

Costumes For Personality

Costumes that represent their personality and interests. What were they known for over the years? Did they have signature styles or quirks that can be incorporated? This adds a personal touch.

1. Former principal/teacher with books, apples, and a ruler
2. Volunteer docent for museum tours dressed up as a famous painting
3. Lifelong reader as a giant open book or dressed as a book character
4. Avid traveler in tourist outfit with maps, camera, suitcase props
5. Comic fan dressed as superheroes or in Comic-Con t-shirts and accessories
6. Movie buff with Oscar statue and Hollywood Walk of Fame star props
7. Foodie wearing chef’s outfits and holding fancy utensils/menus
8. Political junkie dressed as the Statue of Liberty or favorite politician
9. Expert gardener with flower pouches and shear props
10. Animal lover dressed as pet cat/dog with leash, toys, water bowl
11. Former dancer in a tutu with tights and ballet slippers
12. Retired postal worker dressed as a mail carrier with a mailbag
13. Theater enthusiast wearing theater masks and Shakespearean ruff
14. Stylish fashionista with bold jewelry, boas, hats, glasses
15. Ex-military member in veteran cap, medals, and patriotic gear
16. Surfer as ocean wave with surfboard and flower lei props
17. Talented quilter wrapped creatively in a patchwork quilt
18. Former coach in a team jersey, hat, and whistle
19. Proud grandparent dressed as a stork with a baby doll prop
20. Lifelong joker with clown costume pieces and jokes/gags

Costumes for Couples

Costumes that double the fun! Finding the right couple’s costume can add extra laughs and enjoyment to the holiday for you and your partner. Things like going as famous duos from pop culture, dressing in coordinated outfits from past decades, or even suits of playing cards. 

• Famous duos or pairs – You could go as Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Fred and Wilma Flintstone, Sonny and Cher. Find a classic duo that resonates with you both.
• Decades themes – Dress up in coordinated costumes from your favorite decade like the 60s, 70s, or 80s. Wear styles and outfits you enjoyed in your youth.
• Literary characters – Go as Romeo and Juliet, Antony and Cleopatra, or other romantic literary pairs.
• Historic couples – Dress as John and Abigail Adams, Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt, Queen Victoria and Prince Albert.
• Food costumes – You could go as two ears of corn, salt and pepper shakers, avocado, and toast.
• Animal pairs – Try costume ideas like a fox and hound, lion and lioness, or Buckingham Palace guards.
• Professions – Coordinate occupations like doctor and nurse, golfer and caddy, gardener and florist.
• Bookends – Dress up like a matched set of bookends. One partner can be the left bookend and the other the right bookend, using cardboard painted silver or gray. Add some fake books in between you!
• Playing Cards – One partner dresses as the King of Hearts and the other as the Queen of Hearts. Make oversized playing cards out of poster board to hold or attach to your costumes.
• Tourists – Pack fanny packs, cameras, sunglasses, hats, and guidebooks. Create “I Heart NY” or other fun travel-themed T-shirts to wear. Top it off with maps and camera props.
• Scarecrow and Farmer – One dresses as a patchwork scarecrow with overalls and a straw hat. The other wears denim overalls, a plaid shirt, and a farmer’s hat. Add pitchfork accessories!
• Peanut Butter and Jelly – One wears a peanut butter jar costume and the other a grape jelly jar. Comfortable and cute!

10 Tips for Choosing a Senior-Friendly Halloween Costume

Here is a top 10 list of tips for choosing safe, convenient, and fun Halloween costumes for seniors and the elderly:

1. Opt for comfortable fabrics that don’t restrict movement. Avoid stiff, heavy, or easily tangled materials.
2. Pick costumes with ample room to fit over clothing and accommodate medical devices or braces. Not too loose or tight.
3. Use fasteners like velcro or snap closures rather than complicated ties or buttons for easier dressing.
4. Make sure your vision isn’t obstructed by the costume. Skip heavy face makeup or masks.
5. Attach any key props or accessories to the costume so they don’t get misplaced.
6. Add reflective tape to darker-colored costumes to improve visibility at night.
7. Choose footwear that is non-slip. Flat shoes, slippers, or boots are best. Avoid heels.
8. Pick costumes that limit tripping hazards from long hems or capes. Knee length or shorter is best.
9. Incorporate a comfy shawl, sweater, or jacket if chilled easily. Have warmer options on hand.
10. Ask for help getting dressed. Don’t force movements that are painful or challenging. Prioritize safety and fun!

Focusing on adaptability, comfort, and convenience will allow you to get in the Halloween spirit while staying safe, and warm and enjoying the festivities.

Get Creative and Have Fun!

Halloween is a chance for seniors and the elderly to tap into their playful spirit. With the right adaptive costume choices, you can comfortably join in the festivities this year.

I hope these tips have sparked ideas for nostalgic, humorous, or clever costumes that align with your needs and interests.

Don’t be afraid to get creative and add your own personal twist! The key is choosing a costume that makes you smile and allows you to make happy Halloween memories.

This year, show your spirit and prove you’re never too old to enjoy the fun of dressing up. I can’t wait to see the creative costumes you come up with!