[For seniors] Balloon volleyball with variations: a fun way to get moving while helping prevent dementia
Balloon volleyball is a popular recreational activity among seniors, but some people may feel it’s getting monotonous with the same routines.
In fact, there are many variations that use everyday items like strings, fans, and newspapers.
By slightly changing the rules—adding cooperative play that strengthens bonds or incorporating twists that engage both mind and body—you can create a fresh sense of fun.
As you play, new ideas may emerge and the usual game might evolve.
Let’s bring a fresh breeze to classic balloon volleyball and try a different kind of game!
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[For seniors] Balloon volleyball variations: Fun ways to move your body while helping prevent dementia (21–30)
Balloon volleyball stick whacking
When you fill a balloon with air, it moves in a light, floaty way, right? Let’s try playing volleyball with one of those floaty balloons by hitting it with sticks.
Divide into two teams and have the older adults sit while holding a stick.
When the balloon comes to you, use the stick to return it like in volleyball.
The key is to use longer sticks.
The slow-moving balloon volleyball will surely get older adults excited.
Once everyone gets used to it, try using two balloons, and so on.
Fan balloon volleyball
Let’s try playing volleyball using fans and balloons.
Unlike a ball, a balloon moves more slowly and is easier to track with your eyes, and because it’s light, you can hit it even if you don’t have much strength in your hands.
You can also play while seated, so you won’t be moving around, making it safe.
If the balloon is about to drift out of the circle, you can fan it to change its direction.
It’s a recreational activity that can be enjoyed by both small and large groups.
Balloon Volleyball Soccer
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It’s a game that combines elements of balloon volleyball and soccer: players split into teams and use handheld fans (uchiwa) to control a balloon and try to send it into the opposing goal.
How you move the fan is key—decide whether to strike the balloon directly or propel it with air—and keep steady control as you aim it toward the other side.
Even when the balloon isn’t near you, you can help by generating airflow, so it’s a good idea to keep your arms moving at all times.
Because players tend to lean over the table to reach the balloon when the distance to the opponent’s side is large, intentionally creating more distance to encourage full-body movement is also recommended.
Balloon volleyball with newspaper-stick bats
Balloon volleyball played using rolled-up newspaper sticks lets you reach farther with the tool, while also challenging more delicate control of force.
It’s also important to treat the table like a volleyball court: set up a proper net in the middle so you can enjoy the volleyball atmosphere.
The higher the net, the more it encourages players to hit the balloon upward, which naturally directs their gaze up and can help improve posture.
Rather than focusing on winning, encouraging players to keep the rally going will likely help them enjoy it for longer.
Balloon Volleyball Relay
It’s a game where you gently tap the balloon upward to pass it to the next person, linking passes all the way to the goal basket.
Passing sideways can be difficult, so it may be easier to place a helper in front and have players tap the balloon toward them.
If you chase balloons that fly off to the side, it might put strain on the body, so it’s also a good idea to attach a string to the balloon so you can easily bring it back into view.
Encourage players to focus on gauging the right amount of force to connect to the next person and on judging how to capture the balloon in each situation.
In conclusion
We introduced many ways to adapt balloon volleyball.
With just a few tweaks to the basic rules, you can create new challenges and the joy of working together.
The action of batting the balloon back and forth will get your body moving comfortably and fill the time with smiles.
We hope you enjoy a fulfilling moment that deepens bonds with your friends through recreation.