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

Local hot pot guessing game

[Brain Training] Local Hotpot Quiz 🍲 “Which prefecture is this hotpot from?? • 10 questions”

Winter is the season when we crave hot pots.

Since each region has its own unique hot pot dishes, how about some brain training with a “Which prefecture is this local hot pot from?” quiz? Akita’s Kiritanpo-nabe, Hokkaido’s Ishikari-nabe, Hiroshima’s oyster Dote-nabe, and Fukuoka’s Motsu-nabe are well-known, so many of you might answer those right away.

There are ten questions in total, including Ankō-nabe (anglerfish), Imoni-nabe (taro and meat stew), Hōtō-nabe, Fugu-chiri-nabe (pufferfish), Yudōfu-nabe (simmered tofu), and Chanko-nabe.

We hope this quiz gives you a chance to think fondly of your own hometown.

Christmas cap tree

[Christmas Activity] Cap Tree Challenge! Use chopsticks to stack bottle caps within the time limit! Recreation for elder care and for children.

A popular variety show, “Tuesday is All-Out! Hanadai and Chidori-kun!” features a super fun game that always gets everyone hyped.

On the show, the base rotates to increase the difficulty, but it’s just as exciting to play on a stationary surface.

If Daruma Otoshi is about knocking pieces off one by one to reduce the stack, the Cap Tree Challenge is like doing the opposite—building the stack up.

Make palm-sized caps in lots of Christmas colors to boost the December vibes.

Try adjusting the difficulty by stacking with your non-dominant hand or using chopsticks.

You might get so into it you’ll work up a sweat!

Gesture Game

Gesture Game

When it comes to recreational activities that people of all ages can enjoy, charades is a top pick.

One of its best points is how easy it is to start—no preparation needed.

As long as you have the enthusiasm to convey something without using words, all that’s left is to have fun.

You can split into teams and compete, or set up a single-elimination tournament for individuals.

A time trial format is great too—see how many prompts you can convey in a minute.

You can also customize it endlessly, like limiting expressions to hand gestures only or using just onomatopoeia!

Snow globe making

Today's activity at Day Service Asumiru

My favorite class in elementary school was arts and crafts—specifically making things, not painting.

We always had it back-to-back in third and fourth periods, and I still remember how excited I’d get to use scissors and glue, and sometimes even carving knives or screwdrivers.

How about recapturing that childlike spirit by making a snow globe? There are easy snow globe kits you can buy.

Even without a kit, you can make one pretty effortlessly with a jar and liquid laundry starch.

Have fun crafting while reminiscing about all kinds of memories.

Cold-weather prevention exercises

[Elderly] Get your body ready for winter! Cold-weather countermeasures with warming exercises [Health Exercises]

How about staying healthy and having fun with exercises that beat the cold? Let us introduce “Cold-Weather Countermeasure Exercises,” which include movements like lifting and lowering your toes.

You can easily do these exercises while seated.

They improve circulation in your ankles and calves, helping to prevent chilliness.

Moving your body also boosts your metabolism, warming you up from head to toe.

They’re easy for anyone to try, making them great for day services and care facilities, too.

Especially in the cold season, let’s all move our bodies together and stay energetic!

Christmas exercises you can do while sitting in a chair

A Christmas sing-along exercise you can do while seated [Jingle Bells] — a fun rhythm workout for seniors and older adults. Song by: ukureremaskman

Here’s an introduction to Christmas exercises you can enjoy while sitting in a chair.

Stretch your arms and move your legs as you sing along.

The key point is that everyone, including those in wheelchairs, can enjoy it together.

Moving your body to music doubles the fun.

It’s also effective for building strength and improving flexibility.

In the cold season, our bodies tend to stiffen up, but these exercises help improve circulation.

Let’s sing and laugh together and spend a healthy, happy time.

If you do the exercises while humming Christmas songs, you’re sure to make wonderful memories.