Free activity · Assisted living, memory care & adult day
What Is It? Old-Time Objects for Seniors ☎️
A free picture game for seniors: a large photo of a familiar object from the 1940s–60s appears on the TV, such as a rotary telephone, washboard or milk bottle, and the group picks what it is from three choices. Each object comes with a reminiscence prompt. Recognizing a picture is easier than recalling from scratch, so everyone can join in.
📺 Try it free on the TV🖨️ Print large-print sheet
Question 1 of 10
What is this?
A. A radioB. A rotary telephoneC. A clockHow to run it
- Open the TV version on your activity-room TV or a laptop plugged in with HDMI, and press Full screen.
- Read the question aloud twice. Let everyone call out an answer. There is no timer.
- Press Reveal answer (or the right-arrow key). Then ask the Talk about it prompt and let the conversation run.
- Hand out the printable for residents who prefer paper, or for one-to-one visits.
Works any time of year. Ideal for reminiscence groups and mixed-ability rooms, including memory care.
Answers & conversation promptsFor the activity leader
1. B. A rotary telephone · Talk about it: What was your family's phone number? Did you share a party line?
2. A. Washing clothes · Talk about it: Who did the washing in your house, and on which day?
3. C. A typewriter · Talk about it: Did you ever learn to type? What did you write?
Free sample from Joy Time · seniorjoytime.omgs.app · For engagement and enjoyment, not medical advice.
Questions activity directors ask
How do I play what is it? old-time objects on the activity-room TV?
Open the "Play on TV" link on any smart TV browser, a laptop connected by HDMI, or a casting device, then press Full screen. Read each question aloud, let the group call out answers, then press Reveal. No account or download is needed.
How long does this what is it? old-time objects game take?
About 20–30 minutes for a group with 10 questions, longer if residents enjoy the conversation prompts after each answer.
Is it suitable for people living with dementia?
It is designed to be gentle: three large choices, no timers, no scores, and a reminiscence prompt after each answer so there is no wrong way to join in. Adapt the pace to your group, and skip any question that does not suit.
Is there a printable version with answers?
Yes. This page prints as a large-print question sheet, with the answers and conversation prompts on a separate page. Use your browser's Print or Save as PDF.
Is it free?
Yes. The show and printable are free with no sign-up. You can optionally get a new show by email every Monday.
More free big-screen games
2. What was this used for?○ A. Washing clothes○ B. Making bread○ C. Playing music
3. What is this?○ A. A sewing machine○ B. A cash register○ C. A typewriter