Hand games that liven things up for seniors—also great brain training

battery

Bunkyū Movie! (What's inside the box?)

Batteries, which are used to power various tools, come in different shapes depending on the type of tool, right? This is about whether you can accurately identify those many types of batteries by touch alone.

The difficulty will likely vary a lot depending on whether you choose commonly seen batteries as the theme or pick ones that are rarely used.

It might also work to arrange various kinds of batteries inside a box so that the broad answer of “a battery” can be reached.

The large number of types serves both as a hint and as a source of confusion.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

kappamaki

Report a problem

Balloon Passing Game

You can do it right away with balloons! Simple and fun♪ Balloon-passing game 🎈 #shorts #dayservice #senioractivities #elderly #braintraining #exercise #seniors #preventivecareexercise

This is a game that tests arm movements and handoff communication: you grasp a balloon with both hands and, with a large arm motion, pass it to the person behind you.

Since you’ll be seated and swinging your arms far back, keep your balance and maintain control as you proceed.

It’s also recommended to sing a nursery rhyme or similar song while playing; having a rhythm helps you pass the balloon smoothly and makes the handoff feel more seamless.

Encourage participants to focus on passing it to the next person, aim for careful, deliberate movements, and make sure to communicate clearly.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

kappamaki

Report a problem

Hand play to go with ‘The Tortoise and the Hare’

[Brain-training Hand Game] A high-difficulty hand game that adults struggle with: 'The Hare and the Tortoise'

Let’s try a hand exercise to the children’s song ‘Usagi to Kame’ (The Hare and the Tortoise).

Because this song is familiar to many older adults, it may make it easier for them to participate.

In time with the lyrics, extend one hand forward at a time, alternating between a fist and an open hand.

When the cue ‘hantai’ (reverse) comes up in the song, switch the fist and open hand to the opposite.

It may look simple, but adding the ‘reverse’ cue makes it a bit more challenging.

Hand-play activities like this can involve many older adults, and they’re great for lively group fun.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Nakajima Junko

Report a problem

butterfly

[Craft Idea] Butterfly Paper Crafts (April/May Spring) (Wall Decorations) (Senior Recreation/OT/Day Service) (Early Childhood/Edutainment) (DIY) (Origami) (Easy) (Decorating on Poster Board)

Here’s an easy “butterfly” craft you can prepare quickly with just a few simple steps.

First, prepare three sheets of origami paper: two for the wings and one for the body.

On the two sheets for the wings, draw lines freely with colored pencils.

This will make the finished piece much more vibrant.

After drawing the lines, fold the origami paper into an accordion, then fold it into a V shape.

Next, cut the remaining sheet into the shape of a butterfly’s body.

Attach the wings to the body symmetrically, and you’re done.

If you make butterflies in various colors and display them, they can become a fantastical wall decoration.

Because this craft uses fine motor skills, it also provides good stimulation for the brain and is recommended as a recreational activity in senior facilities.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

kojifumi

Report a problem

Goo-Paa Exercise

[Exercise for Seniors: Open-and-Close (Goo-Paa) Routine] Dr. Arai’s Rock-Paper-Scissors Exercise — Recommended for brain training, dementia prevention, and care prevention. Please use it in care settings such as day-service centers. by FUKUKURU

I think many nursing homes and welfare facilities have also incorporated the “Gu-Pa” exercise into their daily routines.

The Gu-Pa exercise is a simple routine of opening and closing the hands.

However, it is said to help activate the brain and improve blood circulation.

Since it can be done while lying down, it’s an easy exercise for many older adults to try.

You can move both hands the same way, but if you raise the difficulty by making each hand do a different motion, it also becomes a brain-training exercise.

Adding leg movements to engage the whole body further increases the exercise benefits.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Nakajima Junko

Report a problem

Boxercise

Care Recreation Plaza.book Vol.14 - Boxercise -

Boxercise is an exercise that incorporates boxing techniques and movements.

It’s often done standing, but with seated variations, it can be easier for older adults to participate.

Sit in a chair and throw punches with your right and left hands alternately, or throw consecutive punches with the same hand.

Of course, keep your stance with both hands clenched, elbows bent, and your fists in front of your face.

Once you get used to it, try increasing your punching speed or adding more movements.

Learning the sequences can also help stimulate the brain.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Nakajima Junko

Report a problem

Earthworm Exercises

Care Recreation Plaza.book Vol. 6 – Finger Exercises – Earthworm Exercise

Some older adults may have had the experience of finding earthworms when digging soil in a field or garden.

Let’s try mimicking the worm’s movements with your fingers.

In time with phrases like “Worm Exercise,” bend and straighten both index fingers.

It may look easy at first glance, but some people find it challenging until they get used to it.

Even if you make mistakes with the finger movements, moving your fingers while thinking about the accompanying words is said to stimulate the brain.

It’s a finger exercise you can use not only as part of a daily routine but also during breaks in conversation or recreation.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Nakajima Junko

Report a problem