Recommended recreational activities to help seniors enjoy their time in care facilities

Music Therapy: Fun with Rhythm

Music Therapy: Fun with Rhythm

Recreation that uses music is popular with many people.

This time, we’ll introduce ideas for rhythm-based music therapy.

When you move your body to a rhythm, it becomes a dual task: you have to both “listen” to the rhythm and “move” in time with it, processing these two actions simultaneously.

This creates a situation where the brain works to its fullest.

Above all, moving together to music tends to create excitement and a sense of unity, making it a fun activity for everyone.

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kojifumi

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Reminiscence Session: Nostalgic Tools from Early Showa Era

[Senior Recreation] Reminiscence Therapy Recreation Using Nostalgic Early-Showa-Era Tools [Day Service • Tools and Daily Life • Dementia Prevention]

Reminiscence therapy is a type of psychotherapy in which you choose a theme, recall past memories, and reflect on the scenery, environment, and your own self from that time.

To help you remember, it’s good to prepare photos or videos of tools you used in the past—or the actual items if possible.

By recalling details such as how the tool was used (“I used it like this”), when and under what circumstances (“I used it at night after finishing farm work”), or specific experiences (“I was scolded because I couldn’t use it well”), you can evoke a wide range of memories.

You may learn related episodes and even remember things the person themselves had forgotten.

When continued, this approach is considered to have beneficial effects on improving cognitive function.

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kojifumi

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Slow aerobics to the tune of “Alps Ichiman-jaku”

Let's try slow aerobics! ~Alps Ichiman-jaku, chair version~

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.

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Nakajima Junko

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A game where you put newspaper balls into an umbrella

[June Limited Activity] Stuff the umbrella with as many newspaper balls as you can!!

It’s great that you can play this while staying seated! Here’s an idea for a game where you toss newspaper balls into an umbrella.

June in Japan is the rainy season, with lots of rain.

And when it rains, you tend to use umbrellas more often.

This time, let’s do a recreation activity using an umbrella and newspaper.

First, tear the newspaper with a rip and crumple it to make newspaper balls.

Once you open an umbrella and set it on a table or on the floor, you’re ready to go.

It’s a simple yet exciting game where you throw the newspaper balls into the gently swaying umbrella!

Brain training exercises of see-not, speak-not, hear-not

Brain-training exercises that spark laughter: recreational activities seniors enjoy, and health exercises.

Let me introduce a brain-training exercise that moves your body and stimulates your mind: the “see no evil, speak no evil, hear no evil” workout.

For “see no evil,” cover your eyes with both hands.

For “hear no evil,” cover your ears with both hands.

For “speak no evil,” cover your mouth with both hands.

When you hear the staff member’s cue, decide which pose it is and move your hands to make that pose.

It can train your reaction speed and thinking skills, and it might even encourage more communication.

Even if you make mistakes, keep it lighthearted—relax and enjoy the exercise!

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mayumi

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Song Exercise Festival

Health exercise to the tune of Saburo Kitajima’s “Matsuri”! Super popular at day care! [Song Exercise] [Rhythm Exercise]

Enjoy it even while seated! Here are ideas for a sing-and-exercise routine to the song “Matsuri.” When you think of summer festivals or evening cool-down festivals, many people imagine Bon Odori, right? This time, let’s move our bodies to the famous song “Matsuri” by the legendary Saburo Kitajima.

The video introduces ideas for movements you can do while sitting! Even subtle motions will loosen up your body if you do them properly—no doubt about it! Sing, dance, and make fun memories.

Balloon holder bag with a string

Recreation for seniors – Everyone’s cooperation is needed! Fun while sitting! Put the balloon in with a string #SeniorRecreation #Recreation #PreventiveCare

Here’s a string-and-balloon game that’s sure to liven up spring events and gatherings.

Have several older adults sit in chairs facing each other, each holding one end of a string so that paired participants are connected and keep the string taut.

By moving the string up and down or sliding it side to side, they work together to carry a balloon to the goal.

Cooperation is key in this game.

Because participants call out to each other as they play, it naturally encourages communication as well.