Dylan's Guide: Magic for the Elderly...

[Dylan P.]

"Ewwww... I'm not going over to that guy and doing a trick for him. He has a lazy eye, his skin is wrinkly, and he smells like Taco meat." - This is how many people feel about the elderly for the first time. Welcome back. I am Dylan P. and as promised here is another addition to my magic guides. ( This guide is set to take place in a retirement home or nursing home. )

WHAT TO WEAR AROUND THE ELDERLY...

Well, this should be obvious to most people but to the others who don't know what to wear here is my advice. NEVER... I repeat... NEVER wear a 50 cent T-shirt, pants hanging off of your @$$, and a sideways hat. Seniors do not like how the "Homies" today dress. It would however, be appropriate to wear some nice black dress pants and a white button down oxford shirt. ( This would be at a retirement home or nursing home.) It also, can't hurt to throw a tie on.

Now, while we're on the subject of dressing up I would like to suggest that if you are a male, to remove any peircings. The older geberation seems to be a bit tougher on people and may call you homosexual or what not. (no offents to anyone here who may be Homosexual.) I am actually getting my left ear pierced this sunday. After I wear it for six weeks I'll be able to remove it before performing. ( Comb your hair also...)

WHAT MATERIAL SHOULD I USE...

As many of us know some older people may be hard of hearing or hard of seeing. This could make it hard for some of us to perform. Well, I wouldn't recommend cards all the time but if you really want to use a card trick in your performance for the people then do so. Just make sure they are able to see it. ( To be safe I often will use jumbo index playing cards for this.)

Many people may also feel that sponge balls aren't good for senior citizens but in fact they are very useful. Because of their size and bright color they are easily seen. Also, ball transportations are amazing for almost anyone. Transportations and dissapearances with any object seem to defy reality.

Silks are also brightly colored. Useful too. Now, if the person is not having seeing problems then coins may be fine as well. If the spectator is hard of hearing you may have to speak a bit louder. don't yell, but just raise your voice slightly. If your spectator is 100% deaf then do NOT exclude them from your magic. Simply do a trick that does not involve much talking.

WHAT IF THEY FIND THE SECRET TO A TRICK...

Despite what many people think, elderly people are extremely perceptive and can pick up on small flashes and exposures. Now, as I said before, the older generation is tough to work with. Many of them are cenial (No offents) and without thinking will reveal your trick on the spot. let me give you an example of what you might say if they reveal something...

Me: "See. this one isn't your card.

Them: "I saw that. You have two cards there.

Me: "really?"

Them: "Yeah. See?" (Then they reveal my double by snatching it from me. "I got you."

Me: "Good job, Mr. Shaefer. You have a good eye for this sort of thing." Shake their hand and smile.

Usually they will take this as a compliment and smile and shake your hand back. If they reveal my trick I always compliment them for having a good eye and let them have some applause. After all just because they're old doesn't mean that they shouldn't get a little bit of glory every now and again.

WHAT SHOULD I DO TO GET THEM TO LIKE ME...

Honestly, all you have to do is be a kind nd caring person. I always give them a hand after helping me with a trick. It makes them feel good and then sometimes if it is a lady, I will offer her a hug. For some reason elderly women like to hug younger men. i feel that by giving them a round of applause and giving them a handshake or hug I can establish a rough base of friendship with them. Just be nice polite and understanding of them.

STORING MY PROPS...

I would recomend keeping everything in your pockets to avoid hitting anyone with a case. However, a large box may be appropriate if you are performing for the entire nursing home. In the end it is up to you.

Got something you want me to fix or add? PM me and I'll be glad to do it.

Dylan P.

 

[Da_Shine]

Good Guide man. A lot of people here (Including me) were pretty unsure about performing for the elderly, so this will really help. Thanks.

-Max

 

[hijackedmagic]

Great guide, thanks!

 

[conjure_pitch]

Thanks for the guide, be careful with this one. You talk about the elderly like they are incapable when in fact my 80+ year old grandfather is someone in whom I have an unbelievable amount of respect. Hes far more capable than either of my parents. Or most other peoples parents for that matter.

Good job on the guide. Im just saying some people may take offence.

 

[Dylan P.]

Thanks for the guide, be careful with this one. You talk about the elderly like they are incapable when in fact my 80+ year old grandfather is someone in whom I have an unbelievable amount of respect. Hes far more capable than either of my parents. Or most other peoples parents for that matter.

Good job on the guide. Im just saying some people may take offence.

I fully understand. My great granddad who is 102 is the same way. I was simply refering to those who arein a nursing home for a reson. I even mention that. sorry if it comes off rudely. I hope I didn't insult you in any way. I do believe I mention that I was refering to people in nursing homes. (They often are there due to their brain going, or memory fading, etc.)

Sorry again,
Dylan P.

 

[MikeGoyke]

Dude you put out more guides than Sankey does products,

In my opinion this guide was just plain common sense, I understand you are trying to help everyone but I mean really telling people that when a senior figures out your trick to complement them? Of course i'm not gonna tell them to F Off or something but i'm not gonna give them applause for something i should have practiced till its near perfect. And you say not to wear a 50 cent t-shirt and whatnot isn't that just common sense as well? Dont take this the wrong way as its just my personal opinion.

 

[hijackedmagic]

Pshhh....old people don't even know who "fiddy cent" is. (Just joking, no offense) Also, what if they smell reeeeeeaaally bad? (Once again, just a joke.)

 

[conjure_pitch]

I fully understand. My great granddad who is 102 is the same way. I was simply refering to those who arein a nursing home for a reson. I even mention that. sorry if it comes off rudely. I hope I didn't insult you in any way. I do believe I mention that I was refering to people in nursing homes. (They often are there due to their brain going, or memory fading, etc.)

Sorry again,
Dylan P.

Oh no no no. Thats not how I meant it at all. The guide has a great outlook on nursing homes etc. I was just telling you to be careful if you dont want confrontation with others over the subject. I, on the other hand, think this is great.

 

[Ben Long]

Don't forget to e-nun-ci-ate. You don't necessarily need to shout, but be very clear when speaking.

 

[AllanLuu]

Dude you put out more guides than Sankey does products,

In my opinion this guide was just plain common sense, I understand you are trying to help everyone but I mean really telling people that when a senior figures out your trick to complement them? Of course i'm not gonna tell them to F Off or something but i'm not gonna give them applause for something i should have practiced till its near perfect. And you say not to wear a 50 cent t-shirt and whatnot isn't that just common sense as well? Dont take this the wrong way as its just my personal opinion.

I second that!

These are Allan approved posts

 

[Daugava]

You said something about the clothes. I don't like to wear diffrent things that I don't wear normaly. If I would perform I just put on my favourite shirt, and some nice pants.

 

[Jakeh]

I love old people - but you kinda made it seem like being old was some disease or something. I know that wasn't your intention, but that's all I got from your "guide." Oh, and of course some common knowledge.

And for the record, I've performed for two elderly ladies in the past. Both of them loved the card stuff to bits. So I don't think excluding cards from your performances is the best option - I mean, these people have been around cards longer than you've been born. They aren't stupid. Also, nothing against wearing a shirt and tie for your performances, but again it's not necessary to do so. When I peformed for the aforementioned ladies, I was wearing a Bad Religion shirt, black jeans and black Converse runners and it didn't change a thing. Either did my hair, which is far from "normal."

Of course, this is only one instance and naturally someone is going to be put-off by my dress sense/hair style, but that doesn't exactly mean this is going to be someone old.

I just think segregating the elderly from the other adults is stupid.

 

[Dylan P.]

I love old people - but you kinda made it seem like being old was some disease or something. I know that wasn't your intention, but that's all I got from your "guide." Oh, and of course some common knowledge.

And for the record, I've performed for two elderly ladies in the past. Both of them loved the card stuff to bits. So I don't think excluding cards from your performances is the best option - I mean, these people have been around cards longer than you've been born. They aren't stupid. Also, nothing against wearing a shirt and tie for your performances, but again it's not necessary to do so. When I peformed for the aforementioned ladies, I was wearing a Bad Religion shirt, black jeans and black Converse runners and it didn't change a thing. Either did my hair, which is far from "normal."

Of course, this is only one instance and naturally someone is going to be put-off by my dress sense/hair style, but that doesn't exactly mean this is going to be someone old.

I just think segregating the elderly from the other adults is stupid.

1: I was more reffering to elderly people who have been placed in a nursing home for mental illness.

2: Cards are fine for some people but I was more talking about someone who is close to blind. Then cards may not be the best idea.

3: I did not say they were stupid. I just said that sometimes people in nursing homes are sometimes mentally ill.

4: Well, that outfit may have been fine in that case but in another case they may not enjoy you as much as they would if you were dreesed in a casual/formal manor. Not always the case however.

5: I am not trying to segregate older people. I am simply pointing out some tips when performing for some people in homes. I don't even think that putting them in these homes is the right thing to do. But while they are there we might as well give them something to brighten up their day.

Dylan P.

 

[darosa.justin]

1: I was more reffering to elderly people who have been placed in a nursing home for mental illness.

2: Cards are fine for some people but I was more talking about someone who is close to blind. Then cards may not be the best idea.

3: I did not say they were stupid. I just said that sometimes people in nursing homes are sometimes mentally ill.

4: Well, that outfit may have been fine in that case but in another case they may not enjoy you as much as they would if you were dreesed in a casual/formal manor. Not always the case however.

5: I am not trying to segregate older people. I am simply pointing out some tips when performing for some people in homes. I don't even think that putting them in these homes is the right thing to do. But while they are there we might as well give them something to brighten up their day.

Dylan P.

Wow.

All people in homes have mental illnesses?

So my uncle has a mental illness?

You've got a lot to learn kid.

 

[Jakeh]

1: I was more reffering to elderly people who have been placed in a nursing home for mental illness.

As all ready said, not all people that go into homes have illnesses. It's quite the opposite in most cases. But since you were once again segregating (this time it's old people/old people with illness), can I ask why you were targeting those specifically? What about the other elderly folk who are lucky enough to be perfectly healthy?

2: Cards are fine for some people but I was more talking about someone who is close to blind. Then cards may not be the best idea.

So you recommend coins and little red balls instead?

3: I did not say they were stupid. I just said that sometimes people in nursing homes are sometimes mentally ill.

Yes, of course they are. But if they can barely see or hear what makes you think they'd want to actually watch some guy (if they can even see you!) all dressed up, thrusting silks in their faces?

4: Well, that outfit may have been fine in that case but in another case they may not enjoy you as much as they would if you were dreesed in a casual/formal manor. Not always the case however.

Yeah, I fully understand that. I think I just got lucky. I'm surprised I wasn't hit over the head with a handbag, to be honest with you.

5: I am not trying to segregate older people. I am simply pointing out some tips when performing for some people in homes. I don't even think that putting them in these homes is the right thing to do. But while they are there we might as well give them something to brighten up their day.

I appreciate that they need something to entertain them. In fact, I've considered volunteering somewhere because, like you, I don't think homes are the greatest thing in the world. But, you were segregating (in my eyes) in more than one way. I know that wasn't your intention, you've made that clear, but it's just the initial vibe I got. No hard feelings.

 

[adjones]

I appreciate the time and work you put into writing this, but I'm going to have to agree with the person that said it was basically all common sense... at least from my perspective. However, somebody may get some use out of it down the road, so it's probably a good thing that you did write it.

 

[Dylan P.]

Wow.

All people in homes have mental illnesses?

So my uncle has a mental illness?

You've got a lot to learn kid.

I never said that. I even said: "put in a home FOR mental illness." I try to give you the worst case scenario because if someone in the home has a mental illness thensomeone who doesn'y is no problem. Or vice versa.

 

[dejavu05]

Wow, very good job on this!