Hand games that liven things up for seniors—also great brain training
Hand-based activities are a fun and effective way for older adults to stimulate the brain.
Even simple hand games can stimulate the brain by moving the fingertips, helping to maintain or improve cognitive function.
In addition, doing them to music or together with others naturally brings more smiles and increases opportunities for communication.
In this article, we introduce hand games that are easy for seniors to enjoy without strain and also work as brain training.
Incorporate easy activities into your routine to maintain your health while having fun!
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[For Seniors] Engaging Hand Games That Also Boost Brain Function (41–50)
Exercise collection specialized in improving hand and finger movements
This is an exercise where you perform various finger movements in sequence, checking how your fingers move while aiming for smoother motion.
The routine progresses from overall movements to examining each finger’s motion one by one, gradually becoming more complex, which can also be expected to stimulate the brain.
If you find a movement that doesn’t go as you intend, focus on that one to work toward improving your finger control.
It’s also recommended to do the exercises to the rhythm of a children’s song or similar music, as it helps you keep time while you practice.
one hundred twenty-three to the fourth to the second to the fifth
They say the hands are a second brain, and moving your hands and fingers a lot is said to increase blood flow to the brain.
Because of that, it’s expected to help prevent dementia as well.
So, while saying the numbers from 1 to 5, let’s hold up the same number of fingers.
Count along to a melody as you do it.
It seems the lyrics vary by region and locality, so this counting song could also be a good conversation starter with older adults who know the lyrics.
It’s a finger-play activity that can help spark conversation.
2525 calisthenics
Let me introduce a finger exercise that also helps with brain training and fall prevention.
While saying “Niko niko nī,” you raise two fingers and five fingers.
You can add hand claps between raising the fingers, and make 2 and 5 with the fingers on each hand separately.
Mixing different movements increases the difficulty, right? Thinking about multiple things activates the brain.
Moreover, doing two or three things at the same time is said to help prevent falls.
As we get older, we tend to laugh less, but it seems this exercise can also help bring out richer facial expressions.
Fan-Flick Flying Game
The Uchiwa Fly-Away Game is easy to join because the rules are simple.
You just fan a bag in front of you with a paper fan and see how far you can make it fly—simple as that.
Since it only involves moving your hands and arms, it’s great even for people who aren’t confident in their physical strength.
To add a bit of fun, just draw a face on the bag and you’re sure to get some laughs! Competing together also helps deepen communication.
Plus, since uchiwa fans evoke a summery feel, this game is perfect for summer events.
Who is the master of the uchiwa?!
Speaking of summer, uchiwa fans are a must-have, right? They’re convenient and easy to use, and they’re cherished as items that blow away the heat.
This time, we’re introducing a recreation activity using uchiwa.
It’s a game where you use a fan to put tissues into a box! You can enjoy competing to see who can put the most tissues in.
As long as you have a fan, it’s an easy game you can play not only at day service centers but also at home.
It helps strengthen the hands and arms, and it’s great for stimulating the brain, so we highly recommend it.
Ochyaraka Rock-Paper-Scissors Exercise
Ocharaka is a face-to-face rock-paper-scissors game played in pairs.
You do rock-paper-scissors to the lyrics of the children’s song “Ocharaka Hoi,” and strike a pose for win, loss, or tie.
It lets you play rock-paper-scissors at a lively tempo and is perfect as a finger exercise.
Many older adults may also be familiar with Ocharaka.
Through playing Ocharaka rock-paper-scissors, some people might recall memories from their childhood.
Rolling Curling Game
Curling is a sport where you slide round stones with handles, called “stones,” across the ice.
A few years ago, curling even became a boom in Japan.
Here’s an idea for a casual game that’s like real curling.
Use a paper fan to roll toilet paper tubes and compete for points.
If you paint the toilet paper tubes or decorate them with origami paper to make them colorful, you can create a game that looks great, too.
It’s easy to make, so it seems like something you could enjoy together with older adults from the crafting stage.
Since it can be played while seated at a table, many seniors are likely to be able to participate.