Enjoyable at day care! Tabletop games and recreation
When organizing recreation at a day service, the activities are affected by the weather and temperature.
On sunny days, it’s ideal to enjoy recreational activities outdoors while getting some sun, but on rainy days, indoor activities become the main focus.
This time, we’ll introduce table games that can be enjoyed right on the table.
Since they’re played on a tabletop, they can be enjoyed while seated and are designed with safety in mind—another recommended point.
We’re introducing options ranging from team competitions to games that can be enjoyed individually, so please use this as a reference.
- [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] Recreational Activities Enjoyable in Large Groups
- For Seniors: Effective Recreation for Preventing Care Needs—Have Fun While Staying Healthy
- [For Seniors] Enjoy the Cold Winter! Seated Activities You Can Do
- [For Seniors] Enjoyable Indoor Activities! Recreations and Games That Engage the Mind and Body
- [For Seniors] Enjoy safely even during the COVID-19 pandemic: Seated activities
- [For Seniors] Fun Even Without Sight! Recreation Ideas
- [For Seniors] Simple Recreational Activities You Can Enjoy While Seated
- Entertainment and Performances That Delight at Day Services for the Elderly
- Recreation Activities for Use in Day Services
- [For Seniors] Enjoyable Day Service: A Collection of Fun Event Ideas
- [For Seniors] Liven Up Your Day Service! Fun Beanbag Toss Activity
Have Fun at Day Service! Tabletop Games and Recreational Activities (21–30)
Old Maid
I’d like to introduce “Baba Mekuri,” a simple yet exciting game.
You shuffle and lay out the cards at random, then flip them over in turn; the player who flips a Joker first loses.
Using oversized playing cards instead of a standard deck can make the game run more smoothly.
You can also play with three or more players using the same rules, or even try a team format for extra fun.
By the way, you can buy oversized playing cards at 100-yen shops.
Shooting game
This is a game inspired by the shooting booths you see at festivals and amusement parks.
Players hold ping-pong balls taken from a basket and try to knock down lined-up figurines and paper cups.
It can also be a lively event where participants compete to see how many items they can topple within a time limit.
It’s a good idea to prepare various types of balls—not only ping-pong balls, but also beanbags and rubber balls.
It’s a game you can enjoy while seated, just by moving your arms.
Why not try organizing an activity that brings a touch of nostalgia?
Newspaper ball rolling relay
This is a recreation activity where you compete to see how fast you can roll a ball placed on a sheet of newspaper.
It’s suitable for small to large groups, so it’s also recommended for situations where you want to promote interaction among older adults.
Arrange chairs facing each other in alternating rows, and have two people hold the ends of a sheet of newspaper.
Roll the ball you’re given onto the next person’s newspaper, and if it makes it into the basket, that’s a goal.
You can enjoy variety by rolling different types of balls, such as a regular ball, beanbags, or a beach ball.
Give this event a try to experience the fun and sense of unity that comes from doing an activity together.
In conclusion
Were these table-friendly games helpful as a reference for future recreational activities? Try choosing ones that fit your group size and available time.
I hope everyone has a great time and that the hours spent at the day service are enjoyable!