[For Seniors] Recreations to Experience in August

Soran-bushi exercise

Everyone’s rehabilitation exercise: “Soran Bushi”

The Soran Bushi, a folk song from Hokkaido, is probably a song that many older adults have heard at least once.

These days, it’s often performed at school sports festivals as well.

Some of you may even remember watching your children or grandchildren dance to it at their sports day.

Let’s try doing some exercises to the familiar Soran Bushi melody.

Since the movements are done while seated, even those who find it difficult to stand can participate.

It would also be exciting for everyone to dance together at a summer festival.

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Nakajima Junko

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Singing and exercise medley of summer children’s songs

Summer Children's Songs [Singing & Exercise Medley: 8 Picks] Full-Body Rhythm Exercises for Seniors That Can Be Done While Seated

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!

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sasashina

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Beat the summer heat: chair exercises

Summer Fatigue Measures for Seniors: Japan’s August Chair Exercises by Gobō-sensei

When it’s hot, we tend to go outside less, but let’s keep our bodies moving moderately to prevent summer fatigue and maintain our health.

Here, we’ll introduce simple exercises you can do while seated.

After loosening up by rolling your shoulders and twisting your upper body, add in marching in place and lifting your knees to touch your hands.

Finally, move your body while vocalizing to also strengthen the muscles around your mouth.

Do these within a comfortable range in a cool indoor environment, and be sure to stay well hydrated.

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sasashina

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Bon Odori exercises done while seated

[For Seniors and the Elderly] Seated Bon Odori Exercise (Tanko-bushi) / Enjoy exercising with a summer festival vibe!

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.

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sasashina

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Heatstroke Quiz

[For Senior Facilities · Brain Training] Heatstroke Quiz! Stay alert—it's still hot! Get all the answers right and prevent heatstroke!!!

July is a month when the heat often becomes a hot topic.

On scorching days, we all want to be careful about heatstroke.

You’re probably already mindful of heatstroke in older adults, too.

As we age, it seems we can become less sensitive to heat.

With that in mind, we’d like to introduce a heatstroke quiz.

We’ve made it a quiz format to help older adults stay aware of heatstroke.

Through the quiz, you can learn things about heatstroke you may not have known.

It might even be an enjoyable way for older adults to gain new knowledge.

Plus, coming up with quiz questions could help stimulate the brain as well.

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Nakajima Junko

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Yo-yo fishing

Yo-yo fishing

Here’s an idea for “yo-yo fishing,” perfect for summertime recreation.

In this simple game, you hook and lift colorful water balloons floating in a tub using a hook instead of a fishing hook.

It helps stimulate upper-limb movement—from fingers to shoulders—as well as concentration.

It’s also appealing because anyone can enjoy it safely, whether standing or seated.

Beyond the joy of a successful catch, it’s sure to spark lively conversations with other participants watching.

This popular activity lets you enjoy the nostalgic atmosphere of a traditional summer festival and is ideal for creating summer memories.

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kojifumi

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Brain training with a summer quiz

[For Senior Care Facilities • Brain Training] Summer has arrived! 🌞 Let’s do some brain training with summer quizzes!!!

We would like to introduce a perfect idea for summer recreation: “Brain Training with a Summer Quiz.” This activity features quizzes themed around summer-related foods, seasonal traditions, and old customs, helping participants recall memories and stimulate their brains by thinking and chatting pleasantly with others.

By preparing questions that aren’t too difficult and are easy for anyone to join, it becomes an activity that can be enjoyed regardless of the number of participants.

Working in groups can spark interaction and create a time full of smiles.

It’s an intellectual pastime that lets you forget the summer heat and have fun.

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kojifumi

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