[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] Enjoy the Cold Winter! Seated Activities You Can Do
- [For Seniors] February Trivia: Useful Knowledge
- [For seniors] A handmade calendar you’ll want to make in February
- [For Seniors] Recommended Events for February: Fun Ideas to Fill Everyone with Smiles
- Recreation Ideas for Seniors: Perfect for Setsubun and Bean-Throwing Activities
- For Seniors: Fun Activities in February — Celebrate Setsubun, Valentine’s Day, and Snow
- [For Seniors] Brain Training Recommended for Dementia Prevention
- [For Seniors] Winter Haiku: Introducing Beautiful Masterpieces by Famous Haiku Poets
- [For Seniors] Simple Recreational Activities You Can Enjoy While Seated
- [For Seniors] Fun February Crafts: Ideas Inspired by Setsubun, Valentine’s Day, and Other Events
- [For Seniors] Enjoyable Brain Training! Recommended Origami for February
- [For Seniors] Recommended February Snack Activities: Easy, Enjoyable Sweet Treat Ideas
- For Seniors: December Health Topics — Winter Recreational Activities to Warm the Body and the Heart
[For Seniors] Get Through the Cold February! Recommended Health-Themed Recreational Activities (61–70)
Making cat tail hooks
February 22 has been designated Cat Day by the Cat Day Executive Committee, and various cat-related campaigns are held, especially among cat lovers.
For those looking for a February craft activity, we recommend making a cat tail hook.
After gluing felt to cardboard, align it with a template featuring a cat illustration and cut it out.
Attach a ribbon around the neck, and glue on a tail made from bent wire.
Finally, stick a magnet to the back using double-sided tape, and it’s done.
It’s a fun item you can use to hang things on the hook or display as decor.
Cat Day Quiz
Cat Day, established by the Cat Day Executive Committee in 1987, was conceived based on the motif of a cat’s meow.
Events and festivals are held nationwide.
Try incorporating cat-related quizzes—popular even among seniors—into your February recreational activities.
You can enjoy various formats, such as riddles or quizzes where you gradually provide verbal hints until participants find the correct answer.
It’s a fun activity that deepens knowledge while training quick thinking and reasoning skills, especially appealing to seniors confident in their knowledge about cats.
Setsubun Exercise
A gymnastics routine themed around Setsubun, one of the hallmark events of February cherished by Japanese people.
Why not try a Setsubun exercise for your February activities, imbued with wishes for a year of happiness and the intent to drive away illness and misfortune? Place your index fingers on top of your head to make an oni (ogre) pose, then swing your arms down in front to mimic throwing beans.
Next, form a circle with your hands and place it on your cheek to evoke an okame (smiling lady) mask.
Finally, cross your arms to symbolize inviting good fortune in.
Give this Setsubun exercise a try—featuring the classic Setsubun phrases—and get your body moving!
Heart decoration making
Let us introduce “Heart Decorations,” perfect as a Valentine’s Day gift! With just origami paper, scissors, and glue, anyone can make them.
Since it involves fine motor skills, it serves as hand exercise and helps improve concentration.
Some older adults may have fewer opportunities to complete something entirely with their own hands.
By doing this craft, they can experience a sense of accomplishment and gain renewed energy.
Giving the finished decoration also encourages lively communication.
Please enjoy this recreation activity themed around February’s special event!
Making snow rabbits
Snow bunnies, made by packing pure white snow into the shape of a rabbit, are a traditional favorite in Japan and are loved by people of all ages for their cute form.
They’re wintertime figures you can enjoy both as snow sculptures children create by gathering snow and as motifs expressed in wagashi (Japanese confections).
To make one, wrap crumpled newspaper with copier paper, then attach origami to represent nandina berries and construction paper shaped like leaves.
Creating the nandina leaves and berries together results in a more festive piece.
With few steps and gentle finger work, it also serves as a fine-motor exercise, making it a recommended recreational activity for older adults.
In conclusion
February marks the beginning of spring according to the traditional calendar, but the cold weather still lingers.
In winter, we tend to move less, which can impede blood circulation and cause swelling.
This time’s recreational activities include many that involve good physical movement.
They can all be done while seated, so please give them a try!