[For Seniors] Perfect Brain Training! Fun Trivia

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.
Care Worker Initial Training Certification ObtainedNakajima Junko
Leveraging my experience working as a care worker at a day service, I am currently active as a writer in the caregiving and welfare fields. Beyond writing, I hope to expand my work into web design and illustration. I am a mother of three who has begun studying to become a certified social worker.

When working at a senior care facility, you may sometimes need to come up with recreation activities or topics for conversations with older adults.

Do you ever struggle with ending up with similar recreation activities all the time or having the same conversations over and over?

So this time, we’ll introduce some fun trivia for older adults that can liven things up.

As people age and accumulate abundant knowledge and experience, they tend to have fewer opportunities to encounter new things and information.

However, incorporating new information such as trivia can evoke surprise and enjoyment, which is said to stimulate the brain.

After a long time, discovering something new and fun can make them want to share it with other seniors or their family members.

Trivia also helps promote communication by encouraging conversations with others.

[For Seniors] Perfect for Brain Training! Lively Trivia (91–100)

What color are the lanterns used during the first Obon (shinbon)?

Shinbon (the first Bon) refers to the first Obon observed after a person has passed away.

More precisely, it is the first Obon that comes after the forty-ninth day memorial period has ended, and the name varies by region—such as “shinbon” or “arabon.” During the first Obon only, a white lantern called “hakumonten” is displayed.

The reason is to serve as a marker so that the spirit of the deceased, returning for the first time, does not lose its way.

Some older adults may already know this, but since it’s very informative, why not turn it into a quiz to help people feel the season?

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miyabi

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What is the most harvested fruit in Japan?

In Japan, you can enjoy a variety of fruits depending on the season.

So here’s a question: What fruit is harvested the most in Japan? Try considering factors like the season and region.

The correct answer is mikan.

More precisely, it’s the satsuma mandarin, with a total weight exceeding 740,000 tons.

By the way, the second most harvested is apples at over 660,000 tons, and third is watermelon at over 330,000 tons.

Comparing them like this really shows just how many mikans are harvested.

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yamamoto

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A certain Japanese custom began because it originates from Obon. What is the custom?

There is a Japanese custom that originates from Obon.

What is this event? The answer is “Ochūgen,” a summer tradition alongside the winter “Oseibo,” in which people send gifts to those who have helped them.

Because Obon carries the meaning of honoring and giving thanks to one’s ancestors, the practice of expressing gratitude to those who have supported you during this season spread as Ochūgen.

It’s a custom that heightens a sense of joy, including the fun of thinking about what kind of gift will best convey your appreciation.

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kappamaki

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Where are Japanese coins made?

Bank of Japan
Mint (Japanese Mint / Mint Bureau)

See the answer

Mint (Japanese Mint / Mint Bureau)

Isn't this also a question that's a bit easy to get wrong? When it comes to money, people tend to think of the Bank of Japan, right? Banknotes are issued by the Bank of Japan, but the “coins” in question are made by the Japan Mint. Was that a bit of a trick question?

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utatane

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Kendama is often associated with Japan, but where did it originally come from?

Many of you probably played with a kendama when you were children.

When you think of kendama, you might picture it as a traditional Japanese pastime.

However, it actually originated in another country.

Which country is that? The answer is France.

It was born in the 16th century, and over there it’s called “bilboquet.” Unlike the Japanese kendama, it doesn’t have the two side cups—a large cup and a small cup.

Its other structural features also differ slightly, so if you’re curious, try looking it up and comparing them.

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yamamoto

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In Japan’s first curry, meat from a certain animal was used. What kind of meat was it?

Speaking of curry, beef, chicken, and pork are the major choices, but what exactly are the other kinds of meat? Here are some hints: it’s something that would be unthinkable nowadays—some people might feel disgusted when they hear the answer; it’s a creature whose calls you often hear during the rainy season; and it looks completely different as a child than it does as an adult.

The answer is: frog! In fact, from a global perspective, frogs are eaten in many regions as food, and their taste is said to be similar to chicken.

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SAKI