A 1960s Hippy Day is an easy theme to build around music, bright colour, familiar conversation, and a few simple props. I usually keep the room setup light: a 1960s playlist, colourful table decorations, an optional dress-up basket, afternoon tea, and one activity such as our 1960s quiz. You can run it as a relaxed hour with a small group or make it the focus of a larger themed day.
Need a copy while you’re running the session?
Download the FREE printer-friendly 1960s Hippy Day in Aged Care Guide and keep it close by as you set up the room and run the activity. Link provided at the bottom of this post.
Quick Plan at a Glance
| \At a glance | Suggested guide |
|---|---|
| Preparation time | 15–30 minutes, depending on how much decorating you choose |
| Session length | 45–90 minutes |
| Best for | Small groups, afternoon tea, lifestyle days, or a themed activity calendar |
| Keep it simple | Music, colourful table decorations, a shared snack, and the 1960s quiz |
| Add more if you wish | A small dress-up basket, photo corner, tie-dye craft, or discussion prompts |
What You Will Need for a 1960s Hippy Day
| Essentials | Optional extras |
|---|---|
| 1960s playlist and a speaker | Flower headbands, scarves, large sunglasses, or paper peace-sign necklaces |
| Bright tablecloths or runners | A small photo corner with a simple colourful backdrop |
| A few printed peace signs, flowers, or 1960s word signs | A VW Kombi printout or cardboard prop |
| The 1960s Quiz for Seniors | Tie-dye materials for a separate craft session |
| Suitable afternoon-tea items organised with your kitchen | A simple staff costume or themed name tags |
Set Up Before the Group Arrives
1. Put on the playlist at a comfortable volume and lay the quiz, pens, and any props on the table.
2.Add a few bright decorations where residents can see them without cluttering walkways or tables.
3.Place the optional dress-up items in one small basket or tray. Make them an invitation, not an expectation.
4.Set out the refreshments only when they are ready to serve, following each resident’s usual dietary and texture requirements.
5.Keep a quieter table or space available for anyone who prefers to listen, watch, or join in one-to-one.
A Simple 1960s Hippy Day Program
| Part of the session | What staff can do |
|---|---|
| Welcome and music | Play two or three familiar 1960s songs while residents settle in. Point out the colours, flowers, or table signs and let the music set the tone. |
| Optional dress-up | Offer a scarf, flower headband, peace-sign necklace, or large sunglasses. A resident can choose one item, several items, or none at all. |
| Afternoon tea | Serve the agreed refreshments and keep the table conversation light. Ask simple prompts such as “Did you have a favourite band?” or “What colours did you like to wear?” |
| 1960s quiz | Use the printable 1960s Quiz for Seniors as a group activity. Read each question aloud and leave room for comments and conversation. |
| Finish gently | End with one familiar song, a look at any photos taken with consent, or a quiet chat while the music continues. |
1960s Hippy Day calls for Hippie Chic Dress-Up!
Embrace the flower power and encourage all staff to dress in fabulous ’60s fashions and don’t forget the residents! Get creative and make some rad dress-up props like hairbands, peace sign pendants, and tie-dye t-shirts. Watch as your center transforms into a groovy time machine!
Check out our latest blog post, where we dive into a fun and funky DIY tie-dye activity! Unleash your inner flower child as we walk you through step-by-step instructions to create mesmerizing tie-dye designs that you can proudly wear on your special hippie day.
With vibrant colors and swirling patterns, these tie-dye masterpieces are the perfect expression of peace, love, and individuality. Don’t miss out on this far-out crafting adventure – head over to our blog now and get ready to embrace the spirit of the ’60s with our cool tie-dye activity!
Easy 1960s Decorations and Music
Set the mood with psychedelic posters featuring peace signs, groovy words like “Cool &Groovy,” and vibrant colors. A simple Google image search will lead you to a treasure trove of printouts. Don’t stop there! Decorate the tables with colorful cloths and printout VW Kombi models for an extra dose of nostalgia. Get the tunes flowing from the era with classics from The Beatles, The Beach Boys, Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, and more. Your residents will be dancing in no time!
Simple 1960s Afternoon Tea Ideas
Now it’s time to satisfy those bell-bottomed appetites. Treat your residents to some far-out ’60s eats like French onion dip spread on crackers, a chocolate fondue extravaganza, fresh fruit punch served from a punch bowl, and delightful sponge cake. And let’s not forget the small sandwiches-they were all the rage back in the day!
Peace, Love, and Reminiscing
Capture the essence of the ’60s with a psychedelic photo booth. Craft a VW Kombi backdrop (or snag some online VW photo props) to add that perfect retro touch. Snap some pics of your residents rockin’ their ’60s gear, and let the good times roll!
Quiz Time, Far Out!
After munching on nibbles, grooving to tunes, and taking photos, it’s quiz time! Get the good vibes flowing with our specially crafted 1960s quiz.
Let the Good Times Roll On
Finally, encourage your residents to share their rad memories of living in the ’60s. From Woodstock to bell-bottom jeans, there’s sure to be some far-out stories to reminisce about. So gather ’round and let the good times flow-the ’60s were a pretty hip time, man!
A familiar song, a bright scarf, or a question about favourite fashions can open the door to a lovely moment of conversation. Some residents may have plenty to say, while others may simply enjoy the colour and music around them. Both are a good outcome.
Download your printable PDF copy of Hosting a 1960s Hippy Day in Aged Care
