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Lovely senior life

[For Seniors] Guaranteed to Be a Hit! Popular Day Service Recreational Activities

One of the joys of attending day service is the recreational activities, isn’t it?

With that in mind, we’ve carefully selected recreation and games that can help seniors feel energized.

Activities that stimulate both mind and body are popular because they help people spend their time enjoyably and comfortably.

The key is to plan engaging activities that won’t become repetitive, so participants look forward to coming every day.

There are many options, from classic favorites to cleverly designed activities, and all are easy to join and fun—please use them as a reference!

For Seniors: Guaranteed to Be a Hit! Popular Day-Service Recreations (71–80)

A game where you take balloons out of a basket

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A game where you take balloons out of a basket

Let’s work together as a team! Here’s a game idea where you take balloons out of a basket.

Summer often brings to mind uchiwa fans, right? This time, let’s try a unique game that uses uchiwa to lift balloons out of a basket.

You’ll need a stand or table, a deep basket, balloons, and one uchiwa per participant.

Place the basket filled with balloons on the table, and have participants sit around it.

When the signal is given, everyone chants together, “Wasshoi, wasshoi,” while fanning with their uchiwa to get the balloons out of the basket.

It could be even more fun to split into two teams and compete against each other!

giant ball rolling

Stop right there! “Giant ball rolling”
giant ball rolling

A “Giant Ball Roll” that’s so tantalizingly close to stopping you can’t help but get hooked! Set up a frame—using a hula hoop, for example—in the center of a circle, and roll a large ball toward the frame.

If the ball fits neatly inside, you clear the game! When people think of giant ball rolling, they often imagine a relay at a sports day, but with a target-rolling rule like this, you can enjoy it even while seated.

If you make it a day-by-day competition or a team match, older participants will get even more fired up! It might also spark conversations between neighbors—“So close!”—and help break the ice.

Borrowed Item Race

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Borrowed Item Race

Let’s take on the challenge with excitement! Here are some ideas for a “borrowing race.” Many of you may already know this as one of the most exciting events at a sports day.

This time, let’s try a thrilling borrowing race.

Set a table 10 meters from the starting line.

Place various items on the table along with lots that have the item names written on them, and you’re all set! Participants move from the starting line to the table, draw a lot, and search for the corresponding item.

Once they have the item in hand, they return to the starting line to finish!

[For Seniors] Guaranteed Fun! Popular Day Service Recreations (81–90)

Tossing balls into a small hole

Day service, recreation, ball toss, elderly, caregiving, sports day, indoor games
Tossing balls into a small hole

Let’s try a ball-toss game using a cardboard box and colored balls! Here’s an idea where you aim and throw into small holes.

Normally, in a ball-toss game, you throw small balls into a tall basket and compete on how many you can get in.

This time, we’ll use a flat cardboard box and challenge ourselves to throw balls into small holes instead.

It’s a great way to build concentration and control.

If you don’t have colored balls, you can substitute with beanbags or balls made by crumpling up newspaper.

Flag-raising game

Ai no Kokubōan Flag-Raising Game
Flag-raising game

Listen carefully to the commands and try the flag-raising challenge! Here are some ideas for a flag-raising game.

In this game, you hold red and white flags and follow commands like “Raise red, lower white,” raising and lowering the flags accordingly.

It’s a simple yet classic game with unique rules that test your concentration and has been loved for generations.

Just tape cut construction paper onto straws or chopsticks to make the flags, and you’re ready to go! Even if you get tripped up, it’s great to keep the mood light and enjoy the challenge.

Balloon-popping race

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Balloon-popping race

A simple and fun recreation activity that older adults can join safely and that instantly boosts the sports day atmosphere.

Players use a soft stick to hit a balloon placed on a table and compete to see which team pops theirs first.

Participants can stay seated, so even those worried about their legs or back can enjoy it with confidence.

It’s important to choose a stick made from materials that won’t hurt if they accidentally hit someone, such as a rolled-up newspaper or sponge.

You can also customize it by using balloons in team colors or arranging for confetti to burst out the moment a balloon pops.

Spectators can share in the excitement with clapping and cheers, creating a strong sense of unity.

Balloon attraction

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Balloon attraction

This event is perfect as a sports day recreation for seniors that can be enjoyed easily while seated.

Place a ring on the floor or on a table and set a balloon in the center.

Attach a long string to the balloon, and participants reel in the string to pull the balloon toward themselves.

It’s very safe and allows anyone to take part without strain, which is part of its appeal.

The excitement builds as the balloon gets closer.

The person who catches the balloon first wins, and making it a team competition creates a sense of unity in the venue.

It’s also recommended to try using red and white balloons for the respective teams.