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

Onigiri Game

Onigiri game #care #carehome #carefacility #recreation #rec #elderly #dayservice #Asokaen #KitasunaHome #game #onigiri

Let us introduce the “Onigiri Game,” a fun way to rehabilitate from fingers to arms.

Connect a stick and a plate with a string, placing the stick on your near side and the plate on the opposite side.

Set the rice balls (onigiri) on the plate to start.

Participants use their hands to turn the stick and wind up the string.

The plate will gradually be pulled closer, but don’t let the onigiri fall.

Wind steadily—neither too fast nor too slow—while watching out for obstacles.

The player with more onigiri at the end wins.

You can enjoy it repeatedly by adding more obstacles on the table or making the onigiri lighter, and so on.

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Table hockey

[Mini-Game] Fired-up 🔥🏑 Table Hockey 🏑 #shorts #dayservice #recreation #seniors #minigame #hockey #rehabilitation #caregiving #carefacility #Yamanashi #Kofu

Let us introduce a game that gets everyone excited with simple preparation: table hockey.

Once you have a table ready, build walls at both ends so the ball won’t fall off.

Make mallets out of cardboard, and when you have a ping-pong ball, the game begins.

Push the ball to make it fall onto the opponent’s side, and race to five points.

It’s a simple yet incredibly thrilling game.

It can also help with rehabilitation from the hands to the shoulders, so even those who don’t like rehab can enjoy getting exercise benefits.

Give it a try!

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Ping-pong ball catcher

[Mini-Game] Pinball Catcher #dayservice #olderadults #recreation #rehabilitation #caregiving #carefacility

Let me introduce a game called Pinball Catcher, which lets you do foot rehabilitation while having fun.

Prepare a table set at an angle, add walls on both sides, and place obstacles on the table using disposable containers or similar items.

Once the participants have nets attached to their feet, you’re ready to go.

Roll a ping-pong ball from the top of the table.

Predict the ball’s path as it bounces off obstacles, and catch it with the net attached to your foot.

Because you have to move your feet while watching where the ball will drop, it makes for great foot training.

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Number Exercise

Senior activity! Number exercises #dayservice #caregiving #recreation

Here’s a fun number exercise where you get to learn movements, too.

For 1, touch your head with both hands.

For 2, cross your hands in front of your chest.

For 3, clap your hands and move your body.

The moves and rules are simple, but since you have to think, you might get a little confused at first.

Until you get used to it, say the numbers clearly and keep a slow rhythm.

Once it becomes familiar, try adding combinations where you call out two numbers, or speed up the rhythm for a challenge.

Let’s make it something you can enjoy while you practice.

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mayumi

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Slow aerobics with Momotaro

Let’s try Slow Aerobics! — Momotaro

Many older adults are likely familiar with the folktale Momotaro.

There’s also a children’s song that tells the story of Momotaro, isn’t there? Let’s try moving our bodies to that song.

This is called slow aerobics, where you move gently in time with the music.

You can do the exercises standing, but they can also be done while seated.

It’s an easy routine for older adults who find standing difficult.

Through gentle, low-strain movements, it may also help you lead a more vibrant, fulfilling daily life.

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Nakajima Junko

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Zuizui Zukkorobashi

Nursery rhyme “Zuizuizuzukorobashi” #Japanese traditional kids’ game #Japanese nursery rhymes

Let me introduce a traditional hand game that uses an old children’s song, “Zuizui Zukkorobashi.” Participants sit in a circle and make small rings with their hands.

One person goes around inserting a finger into each hand ring in turn, and the person whose hand the finger enters on the last beat of the song switches places and becomes “it.” It’s simple, but by focusing on the timing of inserting the finger and staying aware, it helps develop attention and a sense of rhythm.

Another plus is that it can be done comfortably while seated without large body movements, making it a good opportunity to encourage interaction among participants.

It’s recommended as a fun recreational activity that stimulates the brain.

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The Hill Where Mandarin Orange Blossoms Bloom

May hand play activity: 'Mikan no Hana Saku Oka' with lyrics

Clap hands alternately while facing each other as you sing.

Even such a simple movement can instantly turn into enjoyable communication when done to a song.

Moving your hands to the gentle melody of “Mikan no Saku Oka” stimulates the brain and helps prevent cognitive decline.

It can be done while seated, reducing physical strain, and it’s an easy activity for those who struggle to find a way to start a conversation.

This low-pressure hand game fosters interaction even in care settings and is perfect for daily recreation.

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kojifumi

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