Trivia for Seniors: A Simple Activity That Builds Connection

If you are looking for trivia for seniors that is easy to run and fun in a group, the best approach is simple questions, familiar topics, and a relaxed pace.

In senior living communities, trivia works well because it can:

• Encourage social interaction.
• Support memory and recall.
• Include residents with different mobility levels.
• Give staff a low-prep activity option.

Below is a ready-to-use list plus facilitation tips.

35 Trivia Questions for Seniors

Classic Entertainment

Which singer was known as the "King of Rock and Roll"?

Elvis Presley.

What instrument did Louis Armstrong famously play?

Trumpet.

Which movie features the line, "Here's looking at you, kid"?

_Casablanca_.

What long-running TV western starred James Arness?

_Gunsmoke_.

Which holiday song begins with "Jingle bell, jingle bell"?

"Jingle Bells."

History and Culture

In what year did the first moon landing happen?

1969.

What was the name of the ship that brought Pilgrims to America in 1620?

Mayflower.

Which U.S. document begins with "We the People"?

The Constitution.

What do the stripes on the U.S. flag represent?

The original 13 colonies.

Who was known for the quote, "I have a dream"?

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Everyday Knowledge

How many days are in a leap year?

366.

What is the largest planet in our solar system?

Jupiter.

Which ocean is on the East Coast of the United States?

Atlantic Ocean.

How many quarters make one dollar?

Four.

What do bees make?

Honey.

Food and Home

What main ingredient is used to make guacamole?

Avocado.

Which fruit is dried to make a raisin?

Grape.

What kitchen appliance keeps food frozen?

Freezer.

What spice is often paired with apple pie?

Cinnamon.

Which meal is usually eaten in the morning?

Breakfast.

Nostalgia and Shared Memories

What game uses the phrase "Bingo!" when you win?

Bingo.

Which board game has properties like Boardwalk and Park Place?

Monopoly.

What kind of store once commonly had a soda fountain counter?

Drugstore.

What is the traditional color of school buses in the U.S.?

Yellow.

What holiday happens on July 4 in the U.S.?

Independence Day.

Bonus Round (Softer Difficulty)

What color are school chalkboards traditionally associated with?

Green or black.

How many wheels does a tricycle have?

Three.

What do you call frozen water?

Ice.

What season comes after summer?

Fall (autumn).

What is 10 + 5?

15.

Tips for Running Trivia with Seniors

• Keep question wording short and clear.
• Allow extra response time before revealing answers.
• Mix easy wins with moderate challenge.
• Use large text if questions are shown on a screen.
• Celebrate participation, not just correct answers.

Why This Works in Senior Living

Well-designed trivia for seniors can turn quiet moments into shared social time. Even residents who do not answer every question can still engage through discussion, memories, and laughter.

If you want a low-lift way to create more daily engagement, trivia is one of the most practical places to start.