The 2026 Winter Olympic Games will take place from 6–22 February 2026 in Italy, offering a wonderful opportunity for aged care residents and seniors to enjoy a major international sporting event together. Hosted across beautiful locations in Lombardy and Northeast Italy, the Games—officially known as Milano Cortina 2026—will bring people from all over the world together through sport.
This will be the fourth time Italy has hosted the Winter Olympics, and it marks the 35th Winter Olympic Games. A newly built Olympic Village in Cortina d’Ampezzo will accommodate around 1,400 athletes, creating a lively and engaging atmosphere that can be shared with seniors in aged care settings through televised coverage and themed activities.
Throughout the Games, residents can enjoy watching a wide range of winter sports on television, including Alpine skiing, biathlon, bobsleigh, cross-country skiing, curling, figure skating, freestyle skiing, ice hockey, luge, ski jumping, snowboarding, and many more.
How to Celebrate the Winter Olympic Games in Aged Care
For the duration of the games, decorate your activity or dining areas in a festive Italian theme. Use red and white checked tablecloths, bowls of lemons, Italian flags, and large scenic backdrops of iconic Italian locations (these are very affordable online from Temu, Amazon, AliExpress, etc.). Add red, white, and green balloons and bunting to complete the look.
Ideas to Bring the Theme to Life:
Host an Italian lunch with pizza, garlic bread, pasta dishes, salads, a little wine, and classic desserts such as tiramisu, cannoli, panna cotta, and coffee.
To make the experience even more enjoyable for seniors in aged care, consider using themed table settings, Italian music playing softly in the background, and simple menu cards that explain each dish. Encourage residents to share memories of Italian food they’ve enjoyed in the past, whether at restaurants, family gatherings, or while travelling. This creates a relaxed, social atmosphere that supports conversation, reminiscence, and connection during the Winter Olympic celebrations.
Italian Music & Sing-Along Time
Create a musical mood by playing Italian favourites—and turn the volume up for a sing-along to “That’s Amore.”
Daily Olympic Viewing Schedule (Aged Care Friendly)
Creating a simple daily Olympic routine helps give residents structure, anticipation, and shared moments throughout the Games. Keeping the format predictable also supports residents living with cognitive decline.
Suggested daily flow:
- Morning highlights recap
Play short Olympic highlight clips or recap key moments from the previous day. This works well during morning tea and gives residents an easy entry point into conversation. - Afternoon featured event
Choose one main event to watch together each afternoon, such as figure skating, curling, ice hockey, or skiing. These events are visually engaging and enjoyable even without deep knowledge of the sport. - Medal tally update
Display a simple medal tally on a whiteboard or notice board. Focus on just a few countries to keep it easy to follow. Updating the tally daily encourages ongoing interest and discussion. - Short group discussion
After viewing, invite residents to share thoughts using gentle prompts like:- “Which sport did you enjoy most today?”
- “Did this remind you of watching sport in the past?”
- “Would you have liked to try this sport when you were younger?”
This routine creates a sense of occasion and something residents can look forward to each day of the Olympics.
Olympic-Themed Group Activities (Non-Physical & Inclusive)
Not all residents will want to watch sport for long periods, so offering seated, non-physical activities ensures everyone can participate in the Olympic spirit.
Activity ideas include:
- Olympic colouring pages
Use simple colouring sheets featuring flags, medals, winter sports, or Olympic symbols. These are calming, accessible, and suitable for residents with limited mobility or dexterity. - Match the country to the flag
A gentle cognitive activity where residents match country names to their flags. This can be done individually or as a group using large print cards. - Guess the sport from the picture
Show images of winter sports and ask residents to guess the sport. This works well as a group activity and often sparks laughter and conversation. - Gold–Silver–Bronze trivia questions
Create easy, multiple-choice trivia questions related to the Olympics, winter sports, or famous athletes. Award “gold, silver, and bronze” points for fun rather than competition.
These activities are flexible, inclusive, and can be adapted for different ability levels, making them ideal for mixed-ability aged care groups.
Take an Armchair Trip to Italy
Travel to Italy for a day with Armchair Travel while the Winter Olympics are underway so residents can learn more about Italian culture and traditions. Explore our full Armchair Travel to Italy guide:
Watch a demonstration of Italian dancing
Enjoy our fun Italian Quiz for seniors as part of the celebration:
And of course—watch the Olympic events on TV together and cheer on the athletes!
