Free activity · Assisted living, memory care & adult day
Then & Now Prices for Seniors 💲
A free nostalgia game for seniors: guess what everyday things cost in the 1950s, from a 4¢ stamp to an $11,000 house. Each question has a large photo, three far-apart choices so the answer is easy to spot, and a prompt that gets everyone sharing stories. Prices are approximate US figures.
📺 Try it free on the TV🖨️ Print large-print sheet
Question 1 of 8
In 1958, a stamp for a letter cost…
A. 4¢B. 40¢C. $1.40How 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. Always gets a laugh, and works well with mixed groups.
Answers & conversation promptsFor the activity leader
1. A. 4¢ · Talk about it: Who did you write letters to?
2. A. 5¢ · Talk about it: What was your favourite soda fountain treat?
3. B. 5¢ · Talk about it: What candy did you buy with your pocket money?
Free sample from Joy Time · seniorjoytime.omgs.app · For engagement and enjoyment, not medical advice.
Questions activity directors ask
How do I play then & now prices 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 then & now prices 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. A bottle of cola for most of the 1950s cost…○ A. 5¢○ B. 50¢○ C. $2
3. A chocolate bar in the 1950s cost about…○ A. $1.50○ B. 5¢○ C. 75¢