Lovely senior life

[For Seniors] Recreations to Experience in August

Worked as a certified care worker for 17 years.Nanaka
I’ve been working as a certified care worker for 17 years. I’m Nanaka, a caregiving web writer. I decided to pursue this profession because I wanted a job that would help people. Having worked in day care for many years, I’ve experienced a wide variety of recreational activities. Exercise set to music, in particular, always created a cheerful atmosphere and was very well received. I’d be delighted to continue delivering writing that resonates with readers through caregiving-related articles. Thank you for your support.
Deputy Editor of RAG MUSICsasashina
Deputy Editor of RAG MUSIC. JFC-certified fact-checker. I’m Sasashina, a mom currently raising an elementary schooler and a preschooler. During my student years at Kyoto College of Science and Technology, I studied a wide range of fields including sound, lighting, and video technology, building a foundation in comprehensive stage production and creative expression. After graduation, I joined a music production company, where I still work, consistently building experience in production and engaging in a variety of music-centered tasks. Currently, I mainly handle articles for children, drawing on what I’ve learned about parenting and what I feel and discover through daily interactions with my kids. I hope my work can be of help to you, even in a small way!

At day service centers and other senior facilities, staff are always thinking up recreational activities that elderly participants will enjoy.

We recommend seasonal activities that help stimulate both mind and body.

In this article, we’ll introduce recreational ideas that are perfect for August!

Speaking of August, Japan is full of unique seasonal events like festivals and Obon!

We’ve gathered many activities inspired by the classic sights and sounds of summer.

There are also refreshing ideas you can only experience during the summer, so please use them as a reference.

[For Seniors] Recreations You’ll Want to Experience in August (61–70)

Healthy Mahjong

Healthy with mahjong? Health mahjong!

Healthy Mahjong

Have you ever played mahjong? August 1 is considered “Pai Day” by wordplay, so it’s celebrated as Mahjong Day.

Lately, “health mahjong,” a wholesome, non-gambling style of mahjong, has been growing in popularity.

Mahjong fully engages the brain as you plan your next moves, and it keeps your hands active, making it very effective as brain training.

If you’ve never tried it, why not give it a shot?

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paper cutting

Origami sunflower flower: easy cutting method

paper cutting

August 3rd is said to be Scissors Day in Japan because of a wordplay on the date.

How about trying papercutting using scissors and paper to celebrate? If you fold colored construction paper a few times and cut along the edges or the center, you can easily make flowers.

There are many kinds of papercutting, so everyone’s individuality can really shine through.

Recreational activities that require this kind of fine motor work are also perfect for hand dexterity rehabilitation.

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Let’s hang the laundry!

Let's hang the laundry!

Let's hang the laundry!

August 1 is Water Day, established by Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.

Because of its close connection to water, it’s also Washing Machine Day.

In honor of Washing Machine Day, let’s play a laundry-hanging game! Hold laundry items like towels and T-shirts in your hands, and toss them onto the clothesline stretched out in front of you.

If they catch on the line, you succeed.

How many pieces can you hang on the line?

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Watching a game at Koshien

[High School Baseball] How to fully enjoy Koshien in comfort: A roundup of what to bring and important tips for spectators!

Watching a game at Koshien

How about watching the Koshien tournament, where the intense summer battles have you sweating with excitement and the high school ballplayers’ passion leaves a lasting impression? If they used to play baseball, they might enjoy it even more.

Watching on TV is of course fine, but if you have access to a facility with a projector or screen, you might as well go big and enjoy it on the large display.

If your own prefecture’s team is playing, it’ll get really exciting! Watching sports with a big group and cheering at the top of your lungs is a lot of fun.

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Making spirit horses (shōryō-uma)

How to Make Obon Spirit Animals (Shouryou-uma)

Making spirit horses (shōryō-uma)

During Obon, we display shoryoma (spirit animals) because it’s believed our ancestors return home.

Cucumbers are made to represent horses, so they can come back to us as quickly as possible, and eggplants are made to represent cows, so they can carry lots of gifts and return slowly.

Let’s try making these shoryoma! It’s very simple—just stick chopsticks into cucumbers or eggplants and you’re done.

Choose vegetables that look like horses or cows, and have fun making them while sharing lively stories about your ancestors.

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