[For Seniors] Enjoyment at Day Care: A Roundup of Games and Recreational Activities
We’ve put together a collection of games and recreational activities that can be enjoyed at day care.
We introduce plenty of options, including simple games you can play while seated, brain-training games, and activities that help with hand and finger rehabilitation—so please use them as a reference.
Some activities require props, but they’re simple to make using recycled materials or items from 100-yen shops, making them easy for older adults to recreate.
Give them a try with everyone during recreation time or in small breaks.
- [For Seniors] Simple Recreational Activities You Can Enjoy While Seated
- For Seniors: Effective Recreation for Preventing Care Needs—Have Fun While Staying Healthy
- [For Seniors] Simple Tabletop Games: Fun and Engaging Recreational Activities
- [For Seniors] Easy and fun seated activities you can do in your room
- [For Seniors] Today’s Recommended Activity: Fun and Engaging
- [Elderly Day Service] Let’s all have fun! Games and recreational activities
- [For Seniors] Fun! Games and Ideas to Boost Memory
- [For Seniors] Have Fun! A Collection of Group Game Recreation Ideas
- Hand games that liven things up for seniors—also great brain training
- [For Seniors] Easy to try. Fun, crowd-pleasing recreation
- [For Seniors] Fun Small-Group Recreation
- [For Seniors] Recreational Activities Enjoyable in Large Groups
- [For Seniors] Enjoyable Indoor Activities! Recreations and Games That Engage the Mind and Body
[For Seniors] Enjoying Daycare: A Compilation of Games and Recreational Activities (281–290)
Newspaper Stick Holder
The “newspaper stick drop,” where you put sticks made from newspaper into a milk carton.
It’s a very simple game, but you might be surprised by how engaging it is.
Because it requires fine hand movements, it also serves as finger exercise.
Even people with hemiplegia can participate without strain, so everyone can enjoy it together.
The rules are easy to understand since all you do is insert the sticks into the holes of the milk carton.
The sense of accomplishment when you get a stick in is fantastic.
It’s also fun to compete in teams to see how many you can insert within a time limit.
All you need are newspapers and milk cartons, so you can start right away—highly recommended.
Newspaper Tug-of-War
We start by folding and twisting the newspaper to increase its strength, which also serves as an exercise for the fingers.
Pulling hard provides a workout for the arms as well.
Doing the activity face-to-face with a partner naturally fosters interaction, and it seems like a recreational activity that would naturally bring out smiles.
rod soccer
“Stick Soccer” is a game everyone can enjoy while seated.
It’s gaining popularity as a lifelong, universal sport that anyone can try—even those with disabilities! Another appeal is how easy it is to play: all you need is a stick made by rolling up newspaper and a vinyl ball.
Multiple players sit facing each other, and with simple rules, they bat the ball toward their team’s goal to score points.
It involves moving your hands and arms and requires concentration, which helps stimulate the brain.
Let’s add this game to your recreation activities and have a great time—it can even become a source of purpose and motivation!
Bowling with milk cartons
Bowling with milk cartons is a recreation activity anyone can enjoy.
Since both the pins and the ball are made from milk cartons, preparation is simple.
You can kick the ball with your foot, so it’s great for participating while seated.
Adjusting your strength and aim helps build concentration.
It’s a fun group activity that can also improve cognitive function and motor skills.
Why not try it during day care time? You’re sure to see some wonderful smiles.
Paper Cup Whack-a-Mole
Here’s an idea for a paper cup whack-a-mole game that everyone can enjoy together.
First, prepare several paper cups and some chopsticks.
Choose one paper cup and attach a chopstick to the bottom to make a hammer.
Then draw moles on the bottoms of the other paper cups to complete the set.
Stack the mole cups onto the hammer cup one after another.
The satisfying pop when they fit together can be quite addictive.
You can also have fun customizing it by drawing illustrations other than moles.
