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: Handicraft Activities That Help Prevent Dementia (41–50)
Finger-knitted acrylic scrubber
Finger-knitted acrylic scrubbies are an easy craft idea that uses readily available acrylic yarn.
Their soft feel and colorful look make them appealing, and they’re also highly practical—they clean well and dry quickly.
Since the process involves hooking the yarn with your fingers as you knit, it’s perfect for finger exercises, and the fine motor movements can even provide brain-training benefits.
By experimenting with colors and shapes, you can create your own unique designs, and sharing the finished pieces with one another can turn the activity into a great opportunity for communication.
Flag-raising game
This is a game where you move red and white flags in your hands up and down according to given instructions.
Your ability to listen carefully and then move—distinguishing between commands like “raise” vs.
“don’t raise” and “lower” vs.
“don’t lower”—is put to the test.
Once you get used to it, it’s recommended to gradually increase the speed of the instructions.
By requiring quicker decisions, you can further stimulate the brain.
To help players focus on listening and moving, it’s also a good idea to make the flags easier to hold—for example, by forming them into rings.
origami
Origami, which involves creating shapes by folding paper, draws attention to delicate finger movements through actions like making fine creases.
Depending on the task, the steps can become quite detailed, so it also helps develop focus at the same time.
With classic models, some people may end up folding by feel alone, so it’s a good idea to prepare a variety of assignments to encourage mindful attention to each step.
Projects that can be enjoyed even after completion—like a top that spins well—can also prompt learners to think about adjustments, such as how to make it spin more easily.
A jigsaw puzzle on a cup noodle lid
Exciting! Here’s an idea for a jigsaw puzzle using instant cup noodle lids.
The designs on cup noodles vary a lot from product to product, right? This is a DIY puzzle that lets you enjoy those differences.
You’ll need seven cup noodle lids, scissors, a ruler, a pen, and so on.
To make it, simply divide each lid into four pieces.
It’s simple, but when you try playing, it’s surprisingly challenging and can take time to complete.
Laminating the pieces is also a nice touch.
PET bottle cap puzzle
Let’s make use of scrap materials! Here’s an idea for a PET bottle cap puzzle.
Some people might think gathering materials for a puzzle is difficult, but this time, let’s make one with items you have at home.
You’ll need an empty box, PET bottle caps, a permanent marker, and a ruler.
Draw a grid on the empty box, then write the same characters both inside the grid squares and on the bottle caps—and you’re done! It’s simple and easy to make, so it’s a highly recommended idea!
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.
A puzzle made of cardboard with 3 to 4 layers
Let’s make a bento box! Here’s an idea for a 3–4 layer puzzle made from cardboard.
Most puzzles usually end up being just 1 or 2 layers, right? This time, let’s stack cardboard to create a 3–4 layer puzzle.
You’ll need materials like cardboard, construction paper, glue, a utility knife, and a permanent marker.
It sounds fun to think about what side dishes to put in the bento as you make it.
Try incorporating cute ideas with a touch of humor!