The San Francisco Dungeon to Ban Elderly Guests This Halloween Season

People over 60 without physician approval banned from frightful attraction
Photo by: The San Francisco Dungeon

San Francisco, Calif. - Oct. 9, 2018 - The San Francisco Dungeon, the frightfully fun attraction dedicated to the darkest side of Bay Area history, has banned patrons over the age of 60 from its guided Halloween séances, unless they have a note from their attending medical doctor. Dr. Jeff Foster, the Dungeon's consulting physician, fears the ghoulishly interactive experience will be too disturbing for those with a weak heart.

The average adult heart beats between 60 and 90 times per minute, but this experience could get heart rates racing up to a thumping 200 as the fear factor sets in. Taking advice from medical experts, show managers have opted to err on the side of caution and not allow entry to older patrons, who are more likely to have a higher risk of heart failure.     

"A mild adrenaline reaction is healthy, however, as we age we are more likely to develop other medical problems such as high blood pressure, heart disease or high cholesterol," said Foster. "Therefore, if your resting blood pressure is higher or your heart is weaker from previous damage, the adrenaline stimulation of a fright may be enough to stimulate a full-blown heart attack or stroke."

To stave off catastrophic heart events, the entrance to The San Francisco Dungeon's Halloween séances will be manned by team members trained to spot those at higher risk of heart failure, with a focus on looking out for guests over the age of 60. If over-60s want to attend, they will need to be able to prove they have a healthy heart with a doctor's letter. They will also need to sign a liability waiver form.

Happening now through Nov. 4, the Dungeon's séance experiences provide guests an uncanny glimpse of the spirits lurking beneath the historic Fisherman's Wharf.

"We want everyone to visit The San Francisco Dungeon, but the health and well-being of our guests is paramount," added Dalia Goldgor, general manager, The San Francisco Dungeon. "These séances are no joke—they are our scariest Halloween show yet—meaning our visitors' heart rates are likely to elevate exponentially! While heart-pounding, scary fun is thoroughly enjoyable by most, it can have dire consequences for others. Providing those over 60 can prove their heart health, we encourage them to enjoy the experience just like everyone else."

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Source: The San Franscisco Dungeon