[For Seniors] Simple Tabletop Games: Fun and Engaging Recreational Activities
Looking for games that get everyone buzzing around the table? This time, we’re introducing fun table games you can enjoy together with seniors.
From homemade hockey and billiards to seasonal taste-pickup and clam-digging games, there are tons of clever ideas everyone can enjoy! The lineup ranges from activities that use your fingertips to full-body challenges.
Enjoy a variety of games that will lift your spirits and energize your body while deepening connections with friends.
- [For Seniors] Simple Recreational Activities You Can Enjoy While Seated
- [For Seniors] Fun Small-Group Recreation
- [For Seniors] Recreational Activities Enjoyable in Large Groups
- [For Seniors] Enjoy safely even during the COVID-19 pandemic: Seated activities
- [For Seniors] Fun Recreational Activities Without Equipment
- [For Seniors] Easy and fun seated activities you can do in your room
- [For Seniors] Exciting Team-Based Recreational Activities
- [For Seniors] Today’s Recommended Activity: Fun and Engaging
- Hand games that liven things up for seniors—also great brain training
- [For Seniors] Guaranteed to Be a Hit! Popular Day Service Recreational Activities
- [For Seniors] Enjoyable Indoor Activities! Recreations and Games That Engage the Mind and Body
- [For Seniors] Fun Autumn Activities: Recreation Games
- [For Seniors] Refresh Your Mood! Lively, Get-Moving Games
Interesting Table Games (21–30)
Singing and exercise medley of summer children’s songs
As an indoor exercise activity, seated calisthenics are a classic choice.
Even while sitting, you can move your body well and refresh your mood, so give it a try and dance along.
You can use any music you like, but if you want something widely recognized that everyone can hum to, summer children’s songs are recommended.
There are plenty of summer-themed nursery songs such as “Kamome no Suiheisan” (Seagull Sailor), “Fujinoyama” (Mount Fuji), and “Ware wa Umi no Ko” (Child of the Sea), so pick some popular tunes.
Loosen up your body by spreading your arms and marching your feet to the rhythm!
Bon Odori exercises done while seated
When you go to summer festivals, you often see people enjoying bon odori, the traditional festival dance.
Many older adults have probably danced it at least once, too.
So this time, we’re introducing a bon odori exercise you can use for summer festival activities at care facilities.
It can be done seated, making it a great option for those who find standing difficult.
For the upper body, raise both hands above your head and clap along; for the lower body, extend your heels forward and march your feet in place.
The moves are all simple, so try dancing along to your favorite bon odori song.
Interesting Table Games (31–40)
Mito Komon Exercise
This is an exercise routine that moves the whole body to the theme song of Mito Kōmon, a staple of period dramas.
Because it uses a song everyone knows, the music itself is enjoyable.
Despite its powerful feel, the song’s gentle tempo is another key point; moving your body while catching the rhythm helps you generate strength.
Once you get used to moving along with the music, doing it while singing is also recommended, as it is expected to help improve cognitive function.
Tankō Bushi danced while seated in a chair
You can also dance it as a Bon Odori to the music of “Tankō Bushi,” right? For many older adults, it may feel like a song that evokes summer.
We’ll move our bodies to the tune of “Tankō Bushi.” As they move, some seniors might remember dancing it in the past.
Since it can be done while seated, it’s safe to dance indoors even on hot days.
“Tankō Bushi” is also a representative song of the Showa era, so people might sing along as they dance.
It’s a recommended exercise for summer festival activities at facilities as well.
365-Step March Exercise
Let’s try some exercises to the tune of Kiyoko Suizenji’s classic song “365-Step March”! You can do them standing or seated.
Swing your arms and march in place, reach your hands or feet forward, make big circular motions with your arms—mix in different movements and get your body moving! If the movements match the lyrics, it should be easier for older adults to join in.
If you’re up for it, you might even sing along while exercising.
Let’s move with joy and warm up our bodies!
Rhythmic Gymnastics: Kiyoshi no Zundoko-bushi
How about doing a rhythm exercise to Kiyoshi Hikawa’s signature song “Kiyoshi no Zundoko-bushi,” which is hugely popular among older adults? Exercising to a favorite or familiar song boosts motivation and makes it easier to move, so it’s highly recommended.
For the part with the shout of “Kiyoshi,” it might be nice to add the actual arm-swinging move from the dance! By including plenty of movements that can be done while seated—like extending the arms and legs forward or making big arm circles—older adults of all abilities can take part.
Matsuken Samba while sitting
Let’s try dancing to Matsuken Samba II, a signature song by Ken Matsudaira that’s loved by people of all ages, while staying seated! Refer to the actual moves from the performance, and turn them into an easy-to-follow routine that still gets your body moving well.
With a fun, familiar song, older adults can also enjoy moving their bodies.
Try extending your arms, marching your feet while seated, using big arm motions, and incorporating larger movements to warm up your body and boost your health.
Don’t push yourself too hard, but enjoy the rhythm and give it a try!