For Seniors: December Health Topics — Winter Recreational Activities to Warm the Body and the Heart

10-minute morning exercise

“10-Minute Morning Exercise” Refreshing Wake-Up Routine for Seniors and Care Facilities [Day Service Exercises] by Ryusei Ishida & Grandma Tatsu

It’s hard to get your body moving in the morning, isn’t it? And everyone feels a bit groggy right after waking up.

At times like that, try some quick exercises to wake up your body and brain.

First, bring the fingertips of both hands together, then spin the opposing fingers in circles as if they’re playing tag.

Do this from the thumbs to the little fingers.

Next, move the muscles in your face, such as by opening your mouth wide.

Finally, use both your hands and feet for a full-body exercise.

If you’re an older adult, please prioritize safety and try these exercises while seated.

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sasashina

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Simple hand-drawn New Year’s card with a pen

@happymoji_ayuayu

It’s not too late! / New Year’s card idea (2)New Year’s greeting card illustrationSimple illustrationMessage CardTranslation

♬ Chu,Tayousei. – ano

I want to try drawing a cute, pop-style New Year’s card.

If you feel the same, here’s a recommendation: a simple illustration using markers.

Draw a garland at the top, and in the center write “HAPPY NEW YEAR” in a cute logo style.

Using fluffy lettering or adding little patterns makes it fun.

If changing the lettering style is difficult, try creating originality by changing the font size or the pen colors.

Don’t forget to include next year’s date in the Western calendar.

Add a short message, and you’re done!

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moko

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New Year’s cards with zodiac origami

A gentle and fun way to make New Year’s cards that express the zodiac using origami.

Simply attach a small, folded zodiac animal made from familiar origami paper as an accent, and it instantly creates a festive New Year’s feel.

Choosing colors and patterns is part of the fun: use gold or red for a glamorous look, or traditional Japanese patterns for a calmer impression.

Add a short message beneath the folded animal to highlight the handmade warmth.

You don’t need complicated folds—its cuteness is part of the charm.

You can get all the materials at 100-yen shops, so it’s easy to start.

These heartwarming New Year’s cards are sure to bring a smile to anyone who receives one.

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kojifumi

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Making a calendar

Making a calendar 1/1 – Day Seiwa-en

By December, we’ll have finished using this year’s calendar.

So, for our December recreation activity, let’s make next year’s calendar! Twelve months might sound like a lot, but if we all work together, it’ll be done in no time.

Print out a free calendar template for the date sections, and in the margins, paste illustrations of seasonal foods, flowers, and events.

It’s also fun to plan the design and layout, so let’s share ideas and create it together.

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sasashina

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Crossword puzzle

[Easy! Crossword Puzzle] Brain Training for Seniors! Fill the blanks with hiragana [Fill-in-the-blank Quiz] #2

Crossword puzzles can help you enjoy the cold winter season.

December 21 is said to be Crossword Puzzle Day.

How about trying them together with older adults? Solving the clues is said to stimulate the brain.

It’s also fun to use a tablet and try new puzzles online.

On Crossword Puzzle Day, why not work on a puzzle while sharing the story behind the anniversary? Since it uses reasoning and memory, it seems like a great way to train the brain while having fun.

It sounds like a wonderful activity where you can spend time leisurely in a warm room.

Passing items with a towel

Today's recreation at Day Service Asumiru 🎵

This is a towel-based recreation activity called “object passing,” which is easy to prepare and can be done in any facility or home.

Two older adults face each other and hold the ends of a towel.

Using the towel, they pass an object resting on it to the next pair.

Large balls are easier to pass, but you can make it more challenging by using smaller balls or objects that aren’t round.

Because passing the object requires fine adjustments of the hands and arms, it can also be useful for rehabilitation.

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Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

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Towel relay

[Senior Recreation] 5 Recreation Activities Using Towels

How about this recreation activity using towels you have at your facility or at home? It’s a towel relay, where you use towels to run a relay race.

First, divide into two teams and pass a towel to the next person using a stick.

The team that places the towel at the goal first wins.

If the towel falls along the way, please pick it up with your hand.

Passing the towel with a stick requires fine motor control and is trickier than you might expect.

The video also introduces other towel-based activities, so please use those as references as well.

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Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

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