[For Seniors] Enjoyable Day Service: A Collection of Fun Event Ideas
Many seniors who use day services likely look forward to the recreational activities.
Care workers think up fun, exciting activities every day to bring joy to the seniors.
In this article, we’ll introduce plenty of recreation ideas that are sure to energize your day service! From head-to-head games and group exercises to activities that let participants feel like they’re traveling—or even trying their luck at a casino!?—it’s packed with surprising ideas.
Be sure to read to the end.
- Entertainment and Performances That Delight at Day Services for the Elderly
- [For Seniors] Highlights of Fun Events at Day-Service Centers
- [For Seniors] Easy and fun seated activities you can do in your room
- [Evolving Daycare Services] A summary of engaging recreational initiatives that excite older adults
- [For Seniors] Today’s Recommended Activity: Fun and Engaging
- [For Seniors] Fun Recreational Activities Without Equipment
- [For Seniors] Guaranteed to Be a Hit! Popular Day Service Recreational Activities
- [For Seniors] Exciting Team-Based Recreational Activities
- [For Seniors] Simple Tabletop Games: Fun and Engaging Recreational Activities
- [For Seniors] Simple Recreational Activities You Can Enjoy While Seated
- [Elderly Day Service] Let’s all have fun! Games and recreational activities
- [For Seniors] What's in the Box? A Collection of Exciting Content Ideas
- [For Seniors] A Fun Sports Day! Recreational Activities You Can Do Safely
[For Seniors] Have Fun at Day Service: A Collection of Interesting Event Ideas (21–30)
Distributing chocolates
https://www.tiktok.com/@karitasunosato/video/7205544851985747201Many older adults may not usually eat chocolate, but it still feels nice to receive a gift on a special day, doesn’t it? For Valentine’s Day, why not give a wrapped box of chocolates? Family members or staff can present them, and if you look online, you’ll find plenty of recipes for chocolates that are easy for seniors to eat.
It could also be fun to make them together as a snack activity.
Let’s give them with gratitude, regardless of whether the recipient is male or female.
Valentine’s Gift Exchange Tournament
When it comes to February events, Valentine’s Day is the first that comes to mind.
Let’s exchange gifts with the people close to us to show our appreciation.
The rules are very simple: when you hear the handclap, pass your gift to the person next to you in the opposite direction.
During the chorus, raise the hand holding the gift and sway both hands as you dance.
When the music stops, you succeed in the game if you keep the gift you’re holding.
A slow song that everyone knows is recommended.
It might also be easier to prepare if you set a uniform budget for the gifts in advance.
Halloween party
Halloween has become firmly established in Japan, much like Valentine’s Day and Christmas.
Perhaps the big annual events at places like Tokyo Disneyland and Universal Studios Japan have something to do with it.
Of course, there are plenty of ways for seniors to enjoy it as well.
Even without a full costume, just wearing a ghost-themed headband can put you in the Halloween spirit.
Hosting a pumpkin-cooking event or a candy exchange where everyone swaps treats while saying “trick or treat” could be fun, too.
Storytelling sessions with kamishibai or read-alouds of picture books about Halloween would also be wonderful.
Number Cop
The “Number Cups” game is played by matching the numbers written on paper cups with the numbers written on paper.
Memorizing the numbers serves as brain training, and picking up and placing the cups can help train the arms and hands.
You can enjoy it alone, but turning it into a head-to-head match would make it even more exciting.
It’s a simple game, and that’s exactly the point.
To make brain training more effective, it’s said that “continuing regularly” is important.
Plus, when it’s fun, it motivates you to think, “Next, I want to try that too.” Please give the Number Cups activity we introduced here a try.
mini-golf
Experience golf right in your room! How about playing some putter golf and having a great time together? You can use a set sold at toy stores, or if you have time, you can even make your own using things like plastic bottles.
Add a cardboard ramp, set up several cups with a scoring system—there are countless ways to enjoy it depending on your ideas! It’s also recommended for events where you interact with small children.
If you’re playing indoors, soft balls are best.
Collecting Words
Collecting words is an easy, fun activity that also trains the brain.
Start by going around and asking about onomatopoeia—sound-effect words—“What words come to mind?” and list whatever people say.
Unexpected words can pop up and spark laughter.
Another idea is a game: “When you hear ___, what do you think of?” For example, ask “What comes to mind when you think of Showa-era games?” or “What about foods from street stalls?” Then everyone answers together on the count of three.
If everyone agrees on the same answer, the room will burst into applause and excitement!
Crimson Sun
This is a exhilarating performance set to the beloved, nationwide hit “Makkana Taiyo.” It’s a high-energy, powerful song that’s sure to get the audience grooving along.
Go all out with flashy costumes—start with sun-shaped masks cut from red construction paper, and add red gloves and outfits to match, and have fun with it.
Shake off any shyness and dance your heart out with rolling moves like the famous “Choo Choo TRAIN” routine and by reaching out to the audience for high-fives!