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[Evolving Daycare Services] A summary of engaging recreational initiatives that excite older adults
In recent years, initiatives aimed at a new, evolved style of day service—different from the traditional model—have been gaining attention.
While many people still prefer conventional day services, there are surely those who would like to try an evolved version.
What we’re introducing here is a fresh concept that incorporates unusual recreational activities actually conducted at senior facilities across Japan.
“If you want to create a new environment where users can enjoy themselves even more,” we think these ideas will serve as helpful inspiration.
Be sure to read to the end!
By adopting new ideas, you can build even better facilities.
[Evolutionary Day Service] Summary of initiatives for recreational activities that excite seniors (1–10)
eSports
In recent years, esports have been gaining so much momentum that international tournaments are now being held.
Esports, which view computer games as a competitive sport, even carry the potential to be added to the Olympic program.
There also seems to be a movement to incorporate esports into health initiatives for older adults.
By having seniors actually try fighting games, racing games, and the like, we might be able to expect improvements in physical fitness and even dementia prevention.
Rather than assuming games are only for young people, we’d love for older adults to experience them as well.
Cooking Studio
This content aims to support health as a day service facility while encouraging individuals to become more aware of their own health through cooking.
If handling fire or sharp tools is difficult, they can take on a support role so that cooking can be done safely.
Thinking through the steps of cooking can stimulate the brain, and the process of preparing food also offers benefits as fine motor exercise.
If there are opportunities to try nutritionally balanced meals or dishes they haven’t experienced before, they may also enjoy the pleasure of new experiences.
Café-style day service
This is a day service facility with a stylish, café-like atmosphere where people can drop by casually and enjoy themselves.
With the concept of being a place you’ll want to keep visiting, it lets you savor the chic vibe of a café while also providing solid support for daily living as a day service.
Beyond the ambiance, one of its attractions is the authentic, café-style meals—so much so that you might forget you’re at a day service facility.
It should particularly appeal to those who enjoy going to cafés with friends and chatting there, and it’s a place that can enhance emotional well-being while supporting your health.
Flea market
A flea market is an event held in parks or plazas where people bring items they no longer need.
In recent years, flea markets have become more accessible, with smartphone apps now offering the experience.
While they may not be very common in senior facilities, hosting a flea market could let older adults enjoy the excitement of discovering hidden treasures.
Instead of exchanging money, you could increase the fun by letting participants earn shopping vouchers through games to use at the flea market.
Taiko no Tatsujin at the day service
Taiko no Tatsujin, the immersive rhythm game familiar from arcades.
It’s popular among kids and young people, but immersive games aren’t just for the young! Recent studies have drawn media attention to their potential rehabilitative benefits.
Exercise and rehab can be hard to keep up with unless they’re fun, and this game lets you enjoy yourself while training muscle strength, sense of rhythm, and balance.
For generations less accustomed to video games, trying it once might be all it takes to get hooked!
Casino-style day service
When you think of casinos, hotels and airports in Las Vegas come to mind.
But here, day-care service users at a nursing facility are enjoying casino games.
There are places offering “healthy mahjong” nationwide, but this facility is particularly interesting for incorporating casino-style activities.
Even wins and losses in games using virtual currency can cause emotional highs and lows, which may provide good stimulation for the brain.
Also, the way they schedule short exercise sessions of about 5–10 minutes every hour nicely captures the moment when people naturally feel like moving their bodies.
Yoga
Yoga, which refreshes both mind and body, has become a popular form of exercise, especially among women, thanks to fitness and spiritual trends.
It may be less familiar to older adults, but indoor yoga requires almost no equipment and is attractive for its convenience.
It’s not a strenuous workout; you move slowly while breathing deeply, helping both mind and body relax, and it’s said to be effective for preventing the need for care.
Since it can be done seated, why not try incorporating it into day-service recreation activities?