[For Seniors] Enjoyable Indoor Activities! Recreations and Games That Engage the Mind and Body

Singing game of “Antagata Dokosa”

[Dementia Prevention] Do brain training by playing the song game 'Antagata Dokosa'!!

Some older adults may have memories of playing ball games to the temari song “Antagata Dokosa.” Here’s a finger play that matches the “Antagata Dokosa” song.

Make a gun shape and a fox shape with your fingers to match the imagery in the lyrics.

To the melody, alternate the finger shapes between left and right.

Once you get used to it, try speeding up the tempo.

In addition to moving your fingers, taking on tasks that feel “a bit difficult” is also said to activate the brain.

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Nakajima Junko

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Music Therapy Handbell Concert

Senior recreation: music therapy handbell concert❣️

Let me introduce music therapy using handbells.

In handbell ensembles, each person is responsible for specific notes on the scale, which actually requires a lot of concentration.

Even with familiar children’s songs, you need to remember exactly when to play your note.

The timing is important, and you also have to adjust the volume with your arm movements.

Because this sends a lot of stimulation to the brain, it can be expected to have brain-training effects.

In addition, since it is often done in groups, it naturally fosters interaction among participants, and the sense of accomplishment when it all comes together is exceptional.

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kojifumi

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Brown kobin hand clap

“Brown Little Bottle” — Try the Rhythm Clapping Challenge!

Let us introduce the brown Kobin hand-clap that follows the rhythm.

Clap on “Pan,” and take a rest on “Un.” The tempo changes a little partway through the rhythm.

The number of claps also changes to match the tempo.

Clapping along while listening to the rhythm helps refresh both body and mind and fosters communication with those around you.

It’s an activity you can enjoy while seated, so please give it a try.

It’s also recommended to use small instruments like bells while doing it.

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mayumi

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Finger exercises with rock, scissors, paper

[Senior Recreation] Create Laughter with Rock-Paper-Scissors Finger Exercises

When deciding something, people sometimes use rock-paper-scissors, right? Older adults, too, have probably made decisions that way at some point.

In rock-paper-scissors, you make rock, scissors, and paper with your hands.

These rock, scissors, and paper shapes are actually effective for hand and finger training.

What’s more, moving your fingers can also provide brain-training benefits.

Many senior and welfare facilities likely include finger exercises in their daily routines.

Once you get used to it, try gradually increasing the speed or doing rock-paper-scissors to the tune of a nursery rhyme.

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Nakajima Junko

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Funny Gesture Exercises

Recreation (brain training): Seniors smile and do gesture exercises — recommended for day service programs.

A gesture game where you don’t speak, but watch movements and guess the answer.

Because it’s often played on TV shows and at parties, many older adults may already be familiar with it.

In gesture games, you watch the movements, imagine what they mean, and answer.

Imagining is said to help activate the brain.

What’s more, having older adults perform the prompted actions themselves boosts the brain-training effect.

Since you’re getting older adults to move, it’s like gesture exercise.

Expanding prompts from “eating a mandarin” to “peeling and eating a mandarin” also stimulates the imagination.

Adjust the difficulty to suit the older adults.

The more movements you add, the more smiles you’re likely to see.