Liven up the Respect-for-the-Aged gathering: A roundup of recreational activities everyone can enjoy.

Frog Frisbee Game

[Recreation] Aim for the frog’s mouth and throw the frisbee! Throw it! (Sawayaka Muroran Building No. 2)

June 6 is designated as Frog Day because the Japanese onomatopoeia “kero-kero” (ribbit) can be read from the date.

Frogs have long been beloved as creatures that let us feel the seasons.

I’d like to introduce a recreation activity themed around this commemorative frog day: the Frog Frisbee Game.

First, make a target out of cardboard with a frog motif.

Then make a cardboard frisbee and start throwing.

It might also be fun to design the target as a frog’s mouth so it looks like you’re feeding it.

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yamamoto

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Let’s find words within a word.

Recreation for seniors: super easy and fun brain training even during the COVID-19 pandemic! Word-search game

I’d like to introduce a game where everyone can play at the same time and get excited: a “find words inside a word” game.

In this game, you rearrange or extract letters from a given target word and see how many other words you can make.

For example, if the target is “とうもろこし” (corn), you can make words like “うし” (cow) or “しも” (frost).

Decide on a target word and a time limit, and you can compete to see who can find the most words.

You can also share with each other, saying, “Here are the words I found.”

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yamamoto

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Passing a ball using towels

Exciting! Recreation Using a Towel and Ball [Brain-Training Exercises for Seniors]

Let’s do a lively recreation activity using towels and a ball.

First, have the older adults sit facing each other, each holding a towel with a ball placed on top.

Since the ball rolls easily, adjusting balance is important.

Coordinate your movements with your partner and smoothly pass the ball onto the towel of the person next to you.

The suspense will keep everyone on edge—in the best way—so it’s sure to be a hit.

Because it’s a cooperative game where everyone works together to keep the ball moving, it will also help deepen relationships among the older participants.

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Nanaka

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Bingo

Bingo, a long-standing recreational game, is a surefire hit at senior gatherings as well.

Its simple rules are part of the appeal, and the chance to win a prize when you get bingo is another nice highlight.

Also, because Respect for the Aged Day—when many of these events are held—falls close to Halloween, you could swap out the usual numbers on the cards for Halloween-themed items.

That way, everyone can enjoy a seasonal touch and a fresh twist.

Since it’s a game whose rules everyone knows, it’s easy to customize—making it a great choice for senior events.

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Hoshino Takashi

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Newspaper ball rolling relay

Two-person teamwork, everyone teamwork: 'Newspaper Ball Rolling Relay'

This is a recreation activity where you compete to see how fast you can roll a ball placed on a sheet of newspaper.

It’s suitable for small to large groups, so it’s also recommended for situations where you want to promote interaction among older adults.

Arrange chairs facing each other in alternating rows, and have two people hold the ends of a sheet of newspaper.

Roll the ball you’re given onto the next person’s newspaper, and if it makes it into the basket, that’s a goal.

You can enjoy variety by rolling different types of balls, such as a regular ball, beanbags, or a beach ball.

Give this event a try to experience the fun and sense of unity that comes from doing an activity together.

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mutō

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dinner party

Senior Appreciation Luncheon

After enjoying various performances at the Respect-for-the-Aged gathering, having the much-anticipated mealtime would make the event even more exciting, don’t you think? Unlike everyday meals, eating together while chatting will surely make the food taste even better! Even those who don’t usually eat much might have so much fun that they end up eating more than usual.

How about preparing dishes that are easy to eat yet visually festive, fitting for a Respect-for-the-Aged event? Wishing you a delightful meal that becomes a cherished memory.

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utatane

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Flag-raising game

[Brain Teaser] Red-and-White Flag Raising Game

A flag-raising game where you hold a red and a white flag in your left and right hands and move them according to the given instructions.

The rules are simple yet surprisingly deep, so people of all ages—from children to seniors—can enjoy playing together.

It’s also a great idea to use plush toys or illustrations themed in red and white instead of actual flags.

By gradually increasing the speed of the instructions or adjusting the difficulty, it becomes a good brain exercise.

Since it’s a game that can be enjoyed regardless of age, it’s especially recommended for Respect-for-the-Aged Day gatherings where multiple generations come together.

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mutō

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