Older Adults Keep Trick-or-Treating Alive
- Elder Love USA
- Oct 31
- 3 min read
From its early roots in the early 20th century to today’s porch-light-and-pumpkin celebrations, sharing treats with neighborhood kids has become a cherished Halloween ritual. There is something uniquely special about seeing children dressed as superheroes, princesses, tiny pumpkins, and friendly ghosts. The giggles, the shy “trick-or-treat!” and the beaming smiles when candy drops into their bags often become the highlight of the evening. And who gets a front-row seat to that magic? Older adults!
The Love for Passing Out Treats
A 2014 survey from the National Confectioners Association found that people age 60 and older were the most likely group to hand out candy on Halloween. And many planned generously, with only 37 percent reporting that they ran out of treats versus half of the general population. As the association explained at the time, baby boomers helped shape modern trick-or-treating culture: "They are the first generation to take their children trick-or-treating after experiencing it themselves, and now they are the first grandparents to pass the tradition forward. If you love Halloween, thank a baby boomer.”
More recent findings echo this treat trend.
The latest (2025) survey from AP-NORC found that while older adults are less likely than younger generations to dress up, carve pumpkins, attend Halloween parties, or take children out trick-or-treating themselves (probably due to physical limitations).
Yet they still lead all age groups in opening the door and passing out candies to children trick-or-treating.
For most older adults, it's fewer costumes and spooky movie nights but more candy bowls and front-porch smiles.
You can find the items below on Amazon, each chosen to make Halloween a great experience for both older adults and kids! When you purchase through our links, Elder Love USA receives a small commission that supports our mission—at no additional cost to you.
Black Cauldron Candy Bucket
An 8-inch durable plastic cauldron with a sturdy handle and wide opening, perfect for holding Halloween candy or party treats
CRAVEBOX Variety Pack
A 45-count assortment of individually wrapped snacks and candies packaged in a compact, easy-to-store gift box
Halloween Candy Bags Treat Bags
A set of 36 lightweight Halloween-themed treat bags with ribbon ties and assorted festive designs for easy candy gifting
Why Do Older Adults Enjoy Handing Out Treats?
Why might this be? Research on aging may explain the emotional pull behind the love for this tradition.
Socioemotional Selectivity Theory suggests that as we age, we place more value on meaningful, emotional experiences and social connection.
The simple act of brightening a child’s evening fits perfectly into this stage of life.
It can bring purpose, joy, and a sense of belonging.
Halloween becomes less about participating in the festivities yourself and more about helping others enjoy them.
Of course, not all older adults celebrate Halloween the same way. Some prefer quiet evenings, especially if they have health conditions, sensory sensitivities, mobility limitations, or simply do not enjoy the noise and activity
Personal preference matters, and every way of celebrating, even choosing not to celebrate, is valid.
This article was made by Elder Love USA.
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