[For Seniors] Recreations to Experience in August
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.
- [Elderly Care] Summary of Ideas and Recreational Activities Linked to August Events
- [For Seniors] Fun Activities That Liven Up Cool Evening Festivals and Summer Festivals
- [For Seniors] Enjoy September’s Autumn Fun! A Collection of Craft, Game, and Exercise Ideas
- Activities perfect for July for seniors: Introducing games and recreational options
- [For Seniors] Simple Recreational Activities You Can Enjoy While Seated
- [For Seniors] Enjoy Summer to the Fullest! Fun Summer-Only Activities Introduced
- Snacks for Seniors: Refreshing Chilled Sweets Recommended for August
- For Seniors: Festive Attractions to Liven Up Festivals—Games and Recreational Activities
- [For Seniors] Recreational Activities Enjoyable in Large Groups
- [Day Service] August Craft Ideas That Seniors Will Enjoy
- [For Seniors] Enjoyable Day Service: A Collection of Fun Event Ideas
- August quizzes that seniors can enjoy!
- [For Seniors] August Health Tips: How to Enjoy and Stay Comfortable During the Hot Summer
[For Seniors] Recreational Activities to Experience in August (11–20)
Goldfish hanging ornaments
How about a hanging goldfish decoration that gently sways in the breeze? Goldfish have long been loved as a symbol of summer, right? They’re familiar to many older adults as well, so this craft is great for a summer activity at day service centers.
The method is to roll a strip of construction paper into a ring and attach origami goldfish with thread.
If you’re decorating a wall, you can simply fix it in place with tape.
For windowsills or entryways, try securing several wind chimes to a bamboo skewer—when the wind blows, it looks beautiful.
Give it a try!
astronomical observation
From August 1st to 7th, the rainy season ends nationwide and the weather is stable, so there’s an event called “Star Week” that encourages people to enjoy the night sky.
How about trying some stargazing? The view may vary a bit depending on where you live, but these days telescopes are affordable and come in many varieties.
Goldfish scooping
The sight of red fish gliding smoothly through the water brings a feeling of summer.
Try incorporating a goldfish scooping game into recreational activities at care facilities.
You might think handling live animals makes preparation difficult, but depending on the region, there are companies that rent out goldfish, large plastic tubs, paper scoops (poi), and more as a set.
If your budget allows, taking advantage of such services is one option.
Of course, you can prepare everything yourself, and if keeping the goldfish afterward would be difficult, you can adapt the activity into a super ball scooping game instead.
Bon Odori while staying seated
How about enjoying Bon Odori, one of the quintessential traditions of summer? Instead of just the classic Bon dance songs, pick your favorite tunes and try dancing to them.
If you choose dances that focus on upper-body movements while seated, you can enjoy them comfortably whether you’re by yourself or in a small group.
There are also many options with movements you can do either standing or sitting, like marching in place.
It could be fun to try it with your family, too.
Making paper construction-paper lanterns
How about making lanterns out of construction paper? Here we introduce how to make two lanterns, one large and one small.
The method is simple: roll a square sheet of colored paper with slits cut into it, then attach a band and a pipe-cleaner handle.
Hanging many of them looks cute and really lifts the mood.
These lanterns are round and adorable, and when not in use, they can be folded flat for easy, space-saving storage.
Wind chime making
A perfect item to set the mood for summer: the wind chime.
Let’s try making one by hand.
Store-bought wind chimes are often ceramic, but this version is very simple—just washi paper, a hanging string, a small bell, and a tanzaku strip.
Even if you drop it by accident, there’s no worry about it breaking.
Choosing your favorite washi will lift your spirits even more.
The gentle sound of the wind chime is sure to bring a touch of coolness to the hot summer days.
[For Seniors] Recreations to Experience in August (21–30)
Clam-Digging Game
Many older adults may remember going clamming on the tidal flats during the summer when they were children.
This clamming game fills a large cardboard box with shredded newspaper to resemble sand, and players search for seashells hidden inside.
If you cut the newspaper into long, thin strips, the shells are better concealed and harder to find.
You can buy a small rake at a 100-yen shop, or bend a hanger to make a rake-like tool.
Set a time limit and compete to see who can collect the most shells!
