For seniors: Recommended for day services. Hands-on activities that help prevent dementia.
As we age, our muscle strength declines, making fine, hands-on tasks more difficult.
Because the nerves in our hands are connected to the brain, it’s said that moving our hands can help prevent dementia.
In this article, we introduce hands-on recreational activities for day service programs that train both the fingers and the brain.
With a focus on craft-based activities and finger-use games, they also help improve concentration.
Craft activities let participants enjoy the fun of creating, too.
There are many ideas to choose from, so try starting with the hands-on activities you’re most interested in.
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[For seniors] Recommended for day-service centers: Handicraft activities that help prevent dementia (21–30)
Stacking beanbags
It’s a game where you start stacking the beanbags you have on hand at the signal, competing to see how high you can build.
In addition to the excitement as a game, the beautiful appearance of variously designed beanbags piling up is also a key attraction.
To stack the beanbags higher, stability is crucial, so it emphasizes balance and how you move your hands.
Making it a head-to-head match draws attention not only to delicate hand movements but also to quick reactions, which can enhance the training effect.
There are many ways to stack them, so giving participants time before the main round to think about their stacking method could lead to creative ideas and make things even more exciting.
Twist-and-clothespin showdown
It’s a competitive game you can play while seated, where hip rotation and fingertip movements are key.
Sit facing each other on chairs, place a bath towel on each chair, and set clothespins in front of you.
At the start signal, you clip the clothespins onto the bath towel.
By setting a rule to clip the clothespins alternately with the left and right hand, players become mindful of twisting their hips.
Since opening a clothespin requires firmly pinching with the fingertips, the game works both hip movement and finger strength.
The competitive format also emphasizes speed, making it an activity that trains various aspects of the body.
Making pom-pom owls
This is a mascot inspired by an owl, featuring a cute round shape made with soft materials.
First, wrap yarn around a pom-pom kit and form it into a circle.
Cut through the middle of the wrapped yarn, tie it tightly with a thin thread to secure it, remove the kit, and trim the shape to complete a round pom-pom.
Finally, attach the facial parts with glue to finish the owl mascot.
It’s important to clearly envision the final design—such as what colors to use and how to wrap the yarn so the outline of the face stands out.
The step where you carefully trim with scissors is also crucial, so it’s a craft that requires good finger dexterity.
Origami Tetris
Three-dimensional and fun! Here’s an idea for origami Tetris.
Many of you have probably played Tetris on a computer or game console, right? This time, let’s make tetrominoes—just like they jumped out of the game world—using origami.
All you need is origami paper and scissors or a craft knife.
You’ll divide a 15 cm square sheet into four parts to make them, so this is a perfect idea for those who are good with detailed work.
Let’s make some tetrominoes and play!
Mini simple puzzle made with origami
Let’s look for a design you like! Here are some ideas for a simple mini puzzle you can make with origami.
In recent years, origami featuring character themes and beautiful patterns has become available.
This time, let’s make a puzzle using origami and cardstock.
You’ll need two sheets of cardstock, origami paper, glue, and scissors or a craft knife.
Glue your favorite origami paper onto the cardstock, then cut it with scissors or a craft knife.
Once you attach a frame to the backing cardstock, it’s complete! Feel free to adjust the size and number of pieces as you like.
towel rabbit
This is a craft project featuring a rabbit motif that charms with the soft feel of a hand towel.
Simply fold the towel into the designated shape, secure it with rubber bands, and attach the eyes and tail pieces—it’s an easy process.
If you twist the towel while folding and fasten it firmly, it will be sturdy and three-dimensional, which is highly recommended.
Because precise folding and hand movements are important in this craft, it may also help exercise the fingers and stimulate the brain through those fine motor activities.
A basket woven from hemp twine
Compared to a while ago, 100-yen shops have increased.
From handy gadgets and clever items to relaxing goods, you can’t help but reach out and end up buying things you don’t even need.
So here’s a lovely mini basket made from materials sold at 100-yen shops: paper cups and jute twine.
To make it, just cut the paper cup into strips and weave the jute twine through them.
If you’re an older person who enjoys knitting, you’ll probably breeze through the steps.
It does involve detailed work, so it can take quite a bit of time.
You might enjoy splitting it up over several days and working on it at your own pace.