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

Ochyaraka Rock-Paper-Scissors Exercise

Finger Play Brain Training: Ocharaka Rock-Paper-Scissors Exercise Part 1 #funny #braintraining #fun #recreation

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.

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Nakajima Junko

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Rolling Curling Game

Indoor Solo Recreation for Seniors: 'Rolling Curling Game' Using Toilet Paper Cores and a Fan

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.

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Nakajima Junko

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Pa-Ta-Ka-Ra alternating counting exercise

“Pa-Ta-Ka-Ra Alternating Finger-Counting Exercise” #shorts #ForSeniors #CarePrevention #PreventiveExercise #PreventiveGymnastics #BrainTrainingExercise #BrainTrainingFingerExercise #FingerExercise #DementiaPreventionExercise #DementiaPrevention #OralExercise

Let me introduce a very simple exercise that also trains your brain: the alternating Pa-Ta-Ka counting exercise.

What you do is very simple! Say “pa” while raising the index finger of your left hand and keeping your right hand in a fist.

Next, say “ta,” raise two fingers on your right hand, and make a fist with your left hand.

Then, say “ka,” raise three fingers on your left hand, and make a fist with your right hand.

In this way, you alternate between your left and right hands while counting.

By having your brain process speaking and finger counting at the same time, multiple stimuli are sent to the brain, which is expected to help prevent cognitive decline.

Give it a try!

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kojifumi

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Patakara Zoo

Singing Oral Exercises: “Patakara Zoo 🎵” Level Up #shorts #oralcare #oralexercises #swallowingtraining #Patakara #singingexercise #forseniors #preventivecare #preventiveexercise #preventivegymnastics #braintrainingexercise

Introducing the idea for the Patakara Exercise: the Patakara Zoo, where you sing animal names that include the syllables “pa,” “ta,” “ka,” and “ra” to a simple melody.

As you sing names like panda, tanuki (raccoon dog), crow, and lion, you imitate their sounds and characteristics, making it easy to smile and have fun.

It can be done seated in a chair, right where you are, so it doesn’t require a special space.

It’s also recommended as a recreation activity in senior facilities.

Please give it a try!

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kojifumi

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Bottle knocking game

Feel the Summer! Easy Recreation Using Traditional Uchiwa Fans [Elderly Recreation / Day Service Recreation]

All you need is a plastic bottle and a uchiwa fan to enjoy this simple game: Plastic Bottle Knockdown.

First, thread a rubber band or string through the fan and secure it so you can quickly retrieve it after throwing.

It’s a seated game, making it easy to tailor to older adults’ physical and mental conditions.

Since the bottles are empty, they’re easy to knock over, so anyone can have fun.

Compete to see who can knock down the most bottles, and consider preparing a prize for the top scorer.

Let’s enjoy it together!

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Nanaka

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Count numbers alternately

[Finger Exercises, 3 Types] Alternating number counting is simple yet difficult [Dementia Prevention]

Aren’t there many senior and welfare facilities that incorporate finger exercises? Counting with your fingers is said to be a simple yet very profound exercise.

Make a fist with one hand and, with the other hand, raise the same number of fingers as the number you say out loud.

Alternate between left and right.

Once you get used to it, try adding movements such as clapping in between or crossing your hands.

This increases the difficulty.

Performing multiple actions at the same time is also said to help prevent falls.

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Nakajima Junko

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Inchworm Brain Training Exercise

Inchworm Brain-Training Exercises: Today’s Brain Workout #154 – Preventive Care and Dementia Prevention

Let’s stimulate your brain with a finger play that mimics an inchworm’s movement.

Inchworms move by stretching and contracting their bodies, right? We’ll recreate that motion with your fingers as a hand game.

Touch the tips of your index finger and thumb together on both hands.

From there, bend one thumb and touch it to the index finger of the other hand.

Then alternate by bending an index finger to touch the thumb on the other hand, and keep repeating this pattern.

The motion looks like an inchworm, doesn’t it? At first, it can be hard to make each finger meet the opposite one smoothly, but working to make the connections is said to help activate your brain.

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Nakajima Junko

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