Lifestyle Halloween Costumes: Dressing Up At Any Age 10/12/2021 | By Terri L. Jones Writer Terri L. Jones knows a little about adults who continue to dress up for Halloween – her mom got in the spirit of the season for years. Jones offers tips on Halloween costumes for grown-up kids, from trick-or-treating to work, and reminds us: dressing up isn’t just for kids! When you think of Halloween, you probably think of kids in superhero and princess costumes going door to door begging for candy. But every year at about this time, you’ll also find my 81-year-old mother sorting through her many wigs, masks, and crazy getups to come up with that startling new disguise to greet the little Supermen and Elsa’s lining up at her door. Just because you’re a little older – and likely won’t be trick or treating on October 31st – doesn’t mean you can’t play dress-up, too! Here are several great excuses to transform into someone new for the night (or all day long)! Give the trick or treaters a fright Like my mom, you can masquerade as a pirate, a witch, Little Orphan Annie, or any number of characters to surprise your neighbors’ kids when they knock at your door this Halloween. My mother also has been known to sit in the darkest part of her front yard and frighten the unsuspecting kids (and their parents!) as they stroll up to her porch! Writer Terri L. Jones’ mom in a pirate’s costume Escort your grandkids If you have grandchildren who are of trick or treating age, offer to take them around to the houses in your neighborhood. Dress up in a costume that complements theirs (you can be the wolf to their Little Red Riding Hood or another character that kids will recognize) as you show off your cute little monsters and angels to your neighbors. While giving their parents a break, you can relive the thrill of the holiday. Halloween Activities with Grandkids Party it up If your costume preferences are a little more adult like a sexy nurse or Dr. Fauci (couples’ costumes like Marilyn and JFK, Ozzie and Sharon, and yin and yang are especially fun!), throw an old-fashioned Halloween party. Hold a costume contest, bob for apples and make s’mores around the firepit, or do something unconventional – and spooky – like playing a murder mystery game with your friends. The object of whichever party activities you choose is to have a rousing good time! Halloween Safety Tips for Pets Dress up for work If you don’t want to trick or treat or host a party, why not just suit up in your favorite costume and run your errands for the day or go to work or your volunteer gig (if appropriate!)? You may get some sideways looks and raised eyebrows, but that’s half the fun. Tips for Halloween costumes for seniors Amazon, Etsy, Target, Party City, Overstock, Spirit Halloween and other retailers offer a great selection of ready-made Halloween costumes for adults. If you want to get a little more creative, browse thrift stores to find clothing, hats, shoes, and other accessories to use as-is or retrofit to create the perfect disguise for the evening. For the hard core DIYers out there, get out the sewing machine and craft supplies and whip up a one-of-a-kind homemade Halloween costume from scratch. Just don’t wait until October 30th to do it! Read More Terri L. Jones Terri L. Jones has been writing educational and informative topics for the senior industry for over 10 years, and is a frequent and longtime contributor to Seniors Guide.