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Lovely senior life

[For Seniors] Liven Up Cherry-Blossom Viewing! Fun Games and Recreational Activities

When the warm days continue, the cherry blossoms bloom and it becomes the season to enjoy beautiful pink and white flowers.

Many older adults may be looking forward to cherry-blossom viewing unique to this time of year.

In this article, we introduce games and recreational activities that can help seniors enjoy cherry-blossom viewing even more.

We’ve gathered games that everyone can enjoy together at day service centers, senior facilities, or with family and friends.

Please use them as ideas for a fun cherry-blossom viewing time.

[For Seniors] Liven Up Your Cherry-Blossom Viewing! Fun Games and Recreational Activities (71–80)

mayonnaise

#shorts What's inside the box!?
mayonnaise

Even if seasonings differ in taste and texture depending on the type, the containers they come in are often similar.

This is a high-difficulty challenge: can you identify mayonnaise—one of those seasonings—using only the feel of its container? The main difference is the shape of the nozzle, so someone who can recognize that by touch might arrive at the right answer.

The premise of “seasoning” is already a big hint, and adding clues like flavor and color would likely help more people figure it out.

two-person robe (Nininbaori): a comedic act where two people share one kimono-like garment, with the rear person acting as the arms for the front person

Ninin-baori is a traditional performance enjoyed at parties and banquets.

The person in front wears a cloth, while the person behind plays the “hands,” controlling the movements.

In scenes where they try to make the front person drink or eat dumplings, the awkward hand motions are sure to get laughs.

Adding ad-lib touches—like missing the mouth or moving exaggeratedly—will make it even livelier.

The audience can join in by calling out or offering advice on the movements, creating a stronger sense of togetherness.

It’s a perfect idea for cherry-blossom viewing with a distinctly Japanese atmosphere.

Caregiving Exercise: The Apple Song

May is the season when we feel warmth and a refreshing breeze, isn’t it? The pleasant weather may inspire some older adults to get moving.

So let’s do some seated exercises suitable for elder care.

We’ll move along to the lyrics of “Ringo no Uta,” the first big hit song after the war.

If it’s a familiar song for older adults, it should make it easier to engage in the exercises.

Be sure to enjoy exercising while singing together.

Some older adults may find themselves humming the nostalgic lyrics and recalling fond memories.

Total Concentration PET-bottle Kendama

[May 14 Today’s Brain Training at the Store: Preventive Care] Total Concentration! Kendama with a Plastic Bottle and Paper Cup
Total Concentration PET-bottle Kendama

Did you know that May 14 is Kendama Day? It’s said that when older adults play kendama, it brings back memories and activates the brain.

Also, moving the arms and fingertips and guiding the body to a target position is very good for both the brain and the body.

Why not try making this kendama yourself and playing with it? It’s easy to make: tie a string to the opening of a plastic bottle, and attach a paper cup to the other end of the string.

That’s it! Hold the bottle by the body and try to catch the opening side with the paper cup to play.

Giant Triangular Tower

Senior recreation: super simple, quick, and fun—Newspaper Tower #activities_for_seniors #newspaper #exciting
Giant Triangular Tower

It’s a very simple game, but actually tricky! Try the newspaper tower challenge! Lay a sheet of newspaper lengthwise and fold it so it becomes a quarter of its original width.

Next, fold it into a triangular prism shape and tuck in the end.

Because it stores flat once folded, you can make it once and play again and again, which is nice.

The rules for the newspaper tower are simple: stack the triangular pieces of newspaper on top of each other and compete to see how many you can pile up.

People watching should call out instructions like, “A little to the right, left, it’s leaning!” This also helps promote communication.

folding umbrella

Today's activity at Day Service Asumiru
folding umbrella

A folding umbrella is something everyone knows, yet it’s surprisingly rare to actually see one up close.

With its smooth feel combined with hints of metal and plastic, you may find yourself wondering, “What is this?” Because most people don’t often touch it in its folded state, those who weren’t office workers in their younger days might struggle to come up with the answer.

If no one knows, the host can ask the group questions like, “Have you ever used one?” or “When did you use it?” to involve everyone and make it more enjoyable.

Newspaper Pull-Out Game

Activities for seniors: 100% exciting! A thrilling newspaper pull-out game that gets everyone energized. #SeniorActivities #Newspaper #SeatedActivities
Newspaper Pull-Out Game

Here’s a game you can enjoy using old newspapers.

All you need are newspapers, a basket, and some tape.

Open the newspaper, cut it in half, and tape the pieces together lengthwise to make a long strip.

You can add more later, so adjust the length according to the participants’ condition and ability.

Roll the long newspaper strip into a cylinder, place it in the basket, and you’re ready to go.

When the game starts, use your hands to wind it up as fast as you can—whoever finishes first wins.

It’s simple, fun to watch, and great for large groups.

Because it also trains upper-limb function while playing, it’s recommended as a recreation activity in senior care facilities.