[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.
- [For Seniors] Enjoyable Day Service: A Collection of Fun Event Ideas
- [For Seniors] Easy and fun seated activities you can do in your room
- [For Seniors] Today’s Recommended Activity: Fun and Engaging
- [For Seniors] Highlights of Fun Events at Day-Service Centers
- [For Seniors] Fun Recreational Activities Without Equipment
- [For Seniors] Recreational activities and games that let you have fun while strengthening your legs
- For Seniors: Enjoy Every Day! A Collection of Senior Recreation Ideas
- [Elderly Day Service] Let’s all have fun! Games and recreational activities
- [For Seniors] Let’s Start a Fun Craft Activity
- [For Seniors] Simple Tabletop Games: Fun and Engaging Recreational Activities
- [For Seniors] Fun and Engaging Brain-Training Recreation
- [For Seniors] Simple Recreational Activities You Can Enjoy While Seated
- [For Seniors] Guaranteed to Be a Hit! Popular Day Service Recreational Activities
[Evolutionary Day Service] Summary of initiatives for recreational activities that excite seniors (1–10)
Shiitake cultivation
There are two ways to cultivate shiitake mushrooms: traditional log cultivation and sawdust block cultivation, which allows for stable growing regardless of the season.
Recently, sawdust cultivation kits have been sold commercially, making it easy to enjoy growing them at home.
The joy grows as you progress from raising to harvesting, and even to shipping.
To grow thick, meaty shiitake, you thin out small, misshapen, or densely clustered mushrooms and harvest only those that have matured—this kind of thoughtful, selective work also helps stimulate the brain.
Day service where you can go shopping
There must be many seniors who want to go shopping but have trouble because the supermarket is too far away.
While community buses, taxis, and home delivery services are becoming more convenient, it would really help if senior care facilities could offer shopping support after day-service programs.
Stopping by a supermarket and choosing items themselves can also boost seniors’ motivation to stay active.
It can reduce the shopping burden on families too, making it a win-win initiative.
If stopping by a supermarket is difficult, another option is to invite a mobile retail truck to the facility, so please consider using these ideas as a reference.
natural hot spring
This day-service facility is especially recommended for people who used to enjoy going on trips and relaxing in hot springs, as well as those who now find it difficult to go out due to age.
Rooted in a traditional hot spring inn, the facility features natural hot springs and delicious cuisine inspired by a ryokan—key highlights that stand out.
It offers support for smooth bathing while allowing you to fully enjoy the onsen experience.
You can easily get a taste of travel, and through the joy of hot springs, it may also help boost your motivation to go out.
[Evolutionary Day Service] Summary of Engaging Recreational Activities that Excite Seniors (11–20)
Showa Alley Recreation
At this facility, they practice “reminiscence therapy” as one of their support initiatives.
By recreating a Showa-era alleyway—like a history museum or a movie set—and having people actually use items from the past and talk about their younger days, participants can feel that “I haven’t forgotten my old memories,” “someone is listening to me,” and “people empathize with me.” This provides a sense of security and confidence, improves communication with others, reduces feelings of loneliness, and may have beneficial effects for dementia prevention.
music studio
This is a new initiative designed to help people lead enjoyable, healthy lives by engaging with music.
It carries the hope that participants will devote themselves to something they can be passionate about and heighten their sense of enjoyment.
It combines aspects of a day-service facility with a full-fledged music studio, allowing participants to focus on their health while seriously engaging with music.
Playing instruments serves as training for the hands and feet, while writing lyrics and composing act as training for the brain—promoting health while keeping things fun.
It can also provide an opportunity for people to discover their own hobbies and encourage them to be more mindful of connections with those around them.
Futsal court on-site
This is a senior housing facility that includes a spacious futsal ground—something not commonly found in typical eldercare facilities.
Motivated by the desire to help seniors find purpose, they offer services that allow interaction with children and younger people.
Precisely because it has become less common to live together with elderly family members, as in the past, exchanges between seniors and children are now all the more important.
In operating the futsal court, they also anticipate various synergies, such as hosting community events and soccer clinics that include seniors.
welfare nail care
This is a facility that combines a nail salon with day care services, allowing seniors to enjoy the fun of nail care.
Some people may have never had their nails done before, so it could offer them a new sensory experience.
The idea is that by engaging in fashion and self-care, they’ll feel brighter and more motivated to go out.
By adding the element of nails to the social gatherings typical of day service facilities, it can encourage interactions like showing each other their nails, which may also increase awareness of connections with the wider community.