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[For Seniors] Get Through the Chilly February! Recommended Health-Themed Recreations
Compared to January, February gradually becomes warmer, but in some regions the cold still lingers, doesn’t it?
In fact, it’s said that infectious diseases like influenza and norovirus peak through February, and the incidence of strokes also increases nationwide up to February.
This time, we’re introducing recreation activities to help you get through the still-chilly season with a smile!
February also includes events like Valentine’s Day and Setsubun, and with a bit of creativity, older adults can enjoy and actively take part.
Be sure to make use of these in day services and senior facilities!
[For Seniors] Get Through Chilly February! Recommended Health-Themed Recreational Activities (1–10)
Exercise to a spring song
February still brings harsh cold, and we’re all starting to look forward to spring.
Here’s an exercise routine that matches the children’s song “Haru ga Kita” (“Spring Has Come”) to help build that anticipation.
The basic movement is a marching step to the rhythm of the song, with added motions like stretching your arms up and out to the sides.
The most important thing is to fully extend your arms, so choose a tempo that lets you move properly.
It’s also great to sing while you move—then you’ll be exercising both your body and your mouth.
Chair exercises in February
February is still quite cold, with occasional snowfall—a season when winter sports and snow-based activities are in full swing.
Let’s take inspiration from those winter sports movements and get our bodies moving well while seated.
We’ll start by warming up with a motion inspired by dry towel rubbing—using your palms to rub your body.
Then, loosen up thoroughly with forward-and-back body movements inspired by skiing and arm movements that evoke lifting snow.
Good Hot Bath Gymnastics
In the cold winter months, many people feel like soaking in a hot spring.
With that winter hot-spring vibe in mind, let’s move our bodies to the song “Ii Yudana,” which conjures warm, comforting scenes.
It’s also great as a warm-up before bathing.
A key point is to really feel the rhythm of the song by using the side-to-side hand movements made famous on The Drifters’ TV show, who also performed the song.
If you only do this, it becomes just an arm exercise, so keep in mind that we’ll develop it into leg movements from here as well.
Rock-Paper-Scissors Exercise
This is an exercise that incorporates the hand shapes used in rock-paper-scissors, a game everyone has played.
The key is making your right and left hands form different shapes and perform different movements.
Thinking about how to move them as you go also helps with brain training.
Extend your arms forward or upward, choose which hand shape to use at that moment, and gradually increase the complexity by combining and switching those shapes.
The goal isn’t to perfect the hand shapes, but to keep progressing while thinking about how to move your hands—that’s the most important point.
A Slightly Punny Setsubun Quiz
Serious, brain-teasing quizzes are fun, but here’s a lighthearted “slightly punny Setsubun quiz” you can enjoy with your guard down.
By weaving in wordplay related to Setsubun, ogres (oni), and beans, it naturally creates moments that make people chuckle.
Rather than focusing on right or wrong, the main reactions are “Ah, I see” and “That’s funny,” which lowers the barrier to participation and makes people think, “Maybe I’ll give it a try.” Laughter eases tension and encourages more conversation with others.
The content isn’t too difficult, so it’s perfect for opening a recreational activity or for a quick change of pace, and it will brighten up and enliven any Setsubun event.
Setsubun 10-Question Quiz
This quiz collection lets you enjoy a wide range of content, from staple event topics to fun trivia.
With exactly 10 questions, the length is just right, making it easy to participate from start to finish.
Since the themes focus on familiar things like bean-throwing, oni (ogres), and ehomaki sushi rolls, it’s easier for seniors to answer and join with confidence.
Each question is separated, which makes it convenient to take breaks or include conversation in between.
After finishing all the questions, there’s a sense of accomplishment, making it a practical resource for enjoying Setsubun as a recreational activity.
Tai chi-style exercise
This is an exercise that incorporates the gentle movements of Tai Chi, a Chinese martial art that is also practiced for health.
Here, to the calm melody of “Hokoku no Haru” (Spring in the North), we’ll thoroughly loosen the body with Tai Chi–like motions.
Although the actions—such as extending both hands forward or stretching them out to the sides—may look simple at first glance, the challenge lies in moving softly and slowly.
The most important thing is to proceed in a relaxed manner; focusing on your breathing as you go may make it easier to follow.