[For Seniors] Enjoyable Indoor Activities! Recreations and Games That Engage the Mind and Body
Have fun moving your body together while giving your brain a workout, too! If you’re looking for games that train balance, indoor recreation is highly recommended.
We’ll introduce ideas you can fully enjoy even while seated, such as the Chopstick Pick-Up Game, the Balance UFO Game, and Ping-Pong Ball Transfer.
In particular, the actions of carefully pulling out chopsticks and placing items on a disc naturally build concentration and a sense of balance.
These ideas are perfect for seniors to enjoy together, so why not give them a try?
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- [For Seniors] Simple Tabletop Games: Fun and Engaging Recreational Activities
- [For Seniors] Recreational activities and games that let you have fun while strengthening your legs
- [For Seniors] Easy and fun seated activities you can do in your room
- [For Seniors] Fun Recreational Activities Without Equipment
- [For Seniors] Exciting Team-Based Recreational Activities
- [For Seniors] Enjoy the Cold Winter! Seated Activities You Can Do
- [For Seniors] Recommended Rhythm Play and Exercises
- [For Seniors] Enjoy safely even during the COVID-19 pandemic: Seated activities
- Hand games that liven things up for seniors—also great brain training
- [November Health Topic] Indoor Recreation Ideas for Older Adults
- [For Seniors] Recreational Activities Enjoyable in Large Groups
- [For Seniors] Fun Small-Group Recreation
Music, Songs, and Rhythmic Exercises (11–20)
Ochyaraka Rock-Paper-Scissors Exercise

Ocharaka is a face-to-face rock-paper-scissors game played in pairs.
You do rock-paper-scissors to the lyrics of the children’s song “Ocharaka Hoi,” and strike a pose for win, loss, or tie.
It lets you play rock-paper-scissors at a lively tempo and is perfect as a finger exercise.
Many older adults may also be familiar with Ocharaka.
Through playing Ocharaka rock-paper-scissors, some people might recall memories from their childhood.
Fox Dance

Let me introduce the Fox Dance that you can enjoy together with older adults.
It’s recommended because you can move your body while sitting in a chair.
After making a fox shape with your hands, use your arms and hands to dance.
The song has a quick tempo, but move within a comfortable range.
Once you get used to the moves, it could be fun to add some marching steps from the second round.
When it’s time to turn your neck, be careful to avoid falls.
The Fox Dance might be a great opportunity to spark new communication!
Hotto Atto Nanto Taisō

“Hotto Atto Nanto” is the catchphrase of Nanto City in Toyama Prefecture.
It conveys a sense of security and comfort, giving you a feel for the atmosphere of Nanto.
“From the Green Village” is a song created to commemorate the 5th anniversary of Nanto City’s merger, and let’s move our bodies along with this song.
Despite its slow tempo, the uplifting lyrics of “From the Green Village” bring a calm, peaceful feeling.
It’s a song that resonates with older adults as well.
The rhythm is just right for seniors to move their bodies to, so please give it a try.
Slow aerobics to the tune of “Alps Ichiman-jaku”

As people age, many find it bothersome to move their bodies.
Let’s get moving with slow aerobics that can be done while seated in a chair.
As the name suggests, slow aerobics involves gently moving your body to music.
It’s said to help raise heart rate and encourage breathing even for older adults who don’t have many opportunities to exercise.
It’s recommended to do rhythmic exercises to familiar songs—like “Alps Ichiman-jaku”—that many seniors know well.
Moving to music can also help bring out a sense of fun in older adults.
Rhythmic gymnastics on a journey of the heart

Let me introduce a rhythm exercise you can do on a gentle, melody-filled journey of the heart.
While seated, clap along with the song and alternately touch the insides of your knees.
Cross your arms in front of your chest as if placing your hands on your shoulders.
Moving your feet in step as well may also serve as a good workout for the brain.
The key is to move your whole body with large motions, but only within a comfortable, enjoyable range.
When you move, try to include your facial expressions and feelings too—you may find it even more fun to sing your heart’s journey.


