[For Seniors] Handmade Game Ideas You Can Enjoy
Games and recreational activities are essential in senior facilities like day-care centers.
In this article, we introduce handmade games you can enjoy.
Some are made using recycled materials like milk cartons and newspapers, while others use items you can get at 100-yen shops, such as paper cups and disposable chopsticks.
All of them involve thinking, competing, and playing, so they serve as brain training—and best of all, they foster communication.
In team competitions, everyone might get fired up, focus on the game, and end up in a frenzy!
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[For Seniors] Handmade Game Ideas You Can Enjoy (41–50)
Mini simple puzzle made with origami
Let’s look for a design you like! Here are some ideas for a simple mini puzzle you can make with origami.
In recent years, origami featuring character themes and beautiful patterns has become available.
This time, let’s make a puzzle using origami and cardstock.
You’ll need two sheets of cardstock, origami paper, glue, and scissors or a craft knife.
Glue your favorite origami paper onto the cardstock, then cut it with scissors or a craft knife.
Once you attach a frame to the backing cardstock, it’s complete! Feel free to adjust the size and number of pieces as you like.
Origami Tangram
Seven pieces in total! Here are some origami tangram ideas.
Let’s make and play with colorful, pop-looking tangrams.
A tangram is a puzzle where you use seven pieces that divide a square to create various shapes.
This time, let’s make one with origami.
You’ll need seven 15 cm square sheets of origami paper and four 7.5 cm square sheets.
We provide clear, careful instructions for folding each part, so follow along and give it a try.
[For Seniors] Handmade, Enjoyable Game Ideas (51–60)
Origami Tetris
Three-dimensional and fun! Here’s an idea for origami Tetris.
Many of you have probably played Tetris on a computer or game console, right? This time, let’s make tetrominoes—just like they jumped out of the game world—using origami.
All you need is origami paper and scissors or a craft knife.
You’ll divide a 15 cm square sheet into four parts to make them, so this is a perfect idea for those who are good with detailed work.
Let’s make some tetrominoes and play!
Japan map puzzle
A one-of-a-kind original! Here are some ideas for a Japan map puzzle.
These Japan map puzzle ideas are perfect for anyone wondering what kind of puzzle to make.
The items you’ll need are a permanent marker, a pencil, scissors, a blank map of Japan, carbon paper, a magnetic sheet, and a whiteboard.
The process of making the puzzle is fun too, so it’s perfect for those who enjoy detailed work.
Cutting the magnetic sheet with scissors takes a bit of technique, so it’s best to go at your own pace without overdoing it.
A puzzle game where you put caps into the empty spaces of an empty box.
Fill the gaps! Here’s an idea for a puzzle game where you place caps into an empty box.
Some of you might be collecting plastic bottle caps but aren’t sure how to use them.
This time, let’s make a puzzle using plastic bottle caps and an empty box.
What you need: an empty box (from sweets or sundries) and plastic bottle caps.
How to play: the simple rule is to put the plastic bottle caps into the empty box so that there are no gaps left.
Eel Fishing Game
All you need are newspaper and tape! Roll the newspaper into thin tubes to make a fishing rod for catching eels.
Tear the remaining newspaper by hand into long, thin strips to create the eels, and you’re ready to play.
Then simply scoop up the eel-like newspaper strips with the rod and drop them into a basket.
The long strips on the floor slip away just like real eels.
By “rolling” and “tearing,” you use your fingertips, and by scooping the eels, you engage your body and mind—making it a fun activity that thoroughly stimulates the brain!
Newspaper Stick Holder
The newspaper-stick drop is a fun game.
You make sticks out of newspaper and simply put them into a milk carton.
It sounds easy but can be surprisingly tricky—and that’s what makes it interesting.
Because it uses hand movements, it’s great for rehabilitation, too.
People with hemiparesis can also take it on at their own pace.
If everyone plays together in a friendly atmosphere, smiles are guaranteed.
The sense of accomplishment when you get one in just right is exceptional.
It also trains the brain and encourages communication—a win-win game.
Give it a try with everyone and have fun!