Lovely senior life

[For Seniors] Refresh Your Mood! Lively, Get-Moving Games

Social worker / Care workermoko
My name is Moko, a mother of three who admired my mother and worked in the care industry as a care worker and as a medical social worker (MSW) in a hospital. I will be drawing on my previous experience to write mainly about caregiving. Thank you in advance.
Certified Care Worker / Former Day Service StaffAbe Eri
I worked at a day service for seven years and obtained my Certified Care Worker qualification in 2019. I have provided meal assistance and bathing assistance, as well as led recreational activities that involve physical movement and cognitive stimulation. I enjoy drawing and crafting. My motto is: “With a smile, anything is possible!” and I try to live joyfully every day. I’m also doting on my beloved Chihuahua.

As we get older, we tend to have fewer opportunities to be physically active.

Even in senior facilities like day services, people may end up sitting for long periods during activities like crafts.

Why not try incorporating some lively, movement-based games?

Of course, it’s fine to stay seated!

Even without strenuous movements, simply rolling your arms or marching your feet a little can loosen the body and make for good exercise.

Please be sure not to overdo it—have fun while keeping an eye on how you feel!

There are plenty of games that get everyone moving and energized.

[For Seniors] Refresh Your Mood! Lively, Active Games (181–190)

Fuwapata Game

Today's activity at Day Service Asumiru

Fuwapata Game

This is the “Fuwa-Pata Game,” where you fan with a uchiwa to blow nylon bags off their spots.

Both the setup and how to play are simple: line up containers like plastic bottles on a table and drape nylon bags over them.

The team that blows all the bags off the fastest wins.

It’s easy and fun for any number of players, so it’s highly recommended.

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Crumple up the newspaper and toss it!

Day Service Asumiru – Today’s activity: “Toss It into the Neighbor’s Garden!”

Crumple up the newspaper and toss it!

Divide the table in half and prepare a cardboard trash bin for each side.

This is a game where you crumple the newspapers placed in your team’s territory into balls and throw them into the opponent’s bin.

You can also pick up any newspapers the opponent threw that missed your bin and throw them back into theirs!

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Newspaper Pulling Game

[Elderly Recreation] Boost finger strength just by pulling newspaper! Newspaper Pulling Game

Newspaper Pulling Game

It’s a simple game where you each hold one end of a long, thin strip of newspaper and pull against each other.

The game ends when the newspaper can no longer be pulled.

The player who collects more of the short torn-off pieces of newspaper wins.

Because it requires applying strength with your fingertips and using your fingers firmly, it’s also an activity that can help stimulate the brain.

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In conclusion

We introduced a variety of games you can enjoy while seated. A key feature is the use of familiar items like balloons, paper fans, and towels, with thoughtful adjustments so everyone can participate safely and comfortably. Spending time smiling together with friends energizes both the mind and body. We hope you’ll create lots of happy memories through these games.