[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 Recreations (11–20)
Health-Boosting Setsubun Trivia Quiz
The “Get Healthy with Setsubun Trivia Quiz,” which lets you use your brain while enjoying Setsubun festivities, is an easy activity to incorporate into recreation for seniors.
By making questions about the origins and customs of Setsubun multiple-choice, they’re easier to answer intuitively and lower the barrier to participation.
The time spent looking at the options and thinking is just right, providing gentle mental stimulation.
When checking the answers, it’s likely to spark reminiscences like, “People today might not know this,” or “This is how it used to be.” With a wide variety of questions available, it’s easy to tailor them to participants, and this handy quiz collection works well for different group sizes and time frames.
Setsubun Silhouette Quiz
The Setsubun Silhouette Quiz, where you choose the item that matches a black silhouette, is an easy-to-understand recreation activity that even older adults can enjoy because it focuses on thinking by looking at shapes.
By using silhouettes related to Setsubun—such as ogres (oni), beans, and wooden measuring boxes (masu)—it offers a seasonal feel and can be enjoyed by small or large groups.
It’s appealing because participants can join without detailed knowledge and answer intuitively.
During the answer reveal, conversations like “That one was easy” or “This one is tricky” naturally arise, helping spark interaction with others.
Visual quizzes also help maintain concentration and are recommended as a recreational activity that stimulates the brain while being fun.
Spot the differences as the photos change – Setsubun
We’d like to introduce a quiz that combines the fun of looking with the thrill of discovery: “Spot the Differences in a Changing Photo.” This quiz is all about the enjoyment of noticing parts that gradually change over time.
At first glance, there may not seem to be any big changes, but in fact certain elements are different.
You need to focus on specific points, which provides a good stimulus for concentration and attention.
By using Setsubun as the theme, participants will naturally discuss ideas—such as the positions of beans and oni (demons) or changes in color—creating opportunities for conversation and organically building teamwork as a recreational activity.
Valentine’s Gift Exchange Tournament
When it comes to February events, Valentine’s Day is the first that comes to mind.
Let’s exchange gifts with the people close to us to show our appreciation.
The rules are very simple: when you hear the handclap, pass your gift to the person next to you in the opposite direction.
During the chorus, raise the hand holding the gift and sway both hands as you dance.
When the music stops, you succeed in the game if you keep the gift you’re holding.
A slow song that everyone knows is recommended.
It might also be easier to prepare if you set a uniform budget for the gifts in advance.
Hidden picture quiz! Find the red ogre and the blue ogre!
A visual quiz packed with the fun of finding things.
You’ll search for a red ogre and a blue ogre hidden in the illustration, but of course they aren’t in obvious places.
Wondering “Where are they?” you’ll use hints like silhouettes, colors, and the ogres’ horns to look for them, which helps boost concentration.
The moment you spot one, you can’t help but brighten up and say, “I found it!”—and it’s sure to spark lively exchanges with others asking, “Where was it?” The difficulty is easy to adjust for participants, and if you allow plenty of time to look, older adults can join in comfortably.
It’s a recreation-friendly quiz that lets you enjoy the spirit of Setsubun.
Soy shooting
@karitasunosato This is Hamanomiya Shouchikuen Day Service 🤗 Setsubun marks the turning of the seasons. Spring is already just around the corner 🙌🏻💕CaregivingCertified Care WorkerTranslationRecreationStrikeoutSetsubunFun timeLovely smile
♬ Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You) – Kelly Clarkson
For the February tradition of Setsubun, try enjoying “soy shooting.” It’s basically a strikeout-style game where you throw balls—standing in for beans—at targets featuring illustrations of oni (demons) and compete for points.
Since it feels like demon-slaying, it’s perfect for a Setsubun event.
Using photos of acquaintances for the oni illustrations could make it unique and lively.
You can buy ready-made strikeout sets, but it’s also possible to make one yourself with cardboard and other materials.
It can be played while seated, too, so everyone can join in and drive away misfortune together.
[For Seniors] Get Through the Cold February! Recommended Health-Themed Recreations (21–30)
Distributing chocolates
@karitasunosato This is Hamanomiya Shochikuen Day Service 🤗 It’s just a small gesture, but we handed out chocolates to our users with love 🫶✨CaregivingCertified Care WorkerTranslationRecreationFun timeLovely smile
♬ Original Song – Caritas-no-Sato Social Welfare Corporation – Caritas-no-Sato Social Welfare Corporation
Many older adults may not usually eat chocolate, but it still feels nice to receive a gift on a special day, doesn’t it? For Valentine’s Day, why not give a wrapped box of chocolates? Family members or staff can present them, and if you look online, you’ll find plenty of recipes for chocolates that are easy for seniors to eat.
It could also be fun to make them together as a snack activity.
Let’s give them with gratitude, regardless of whether the recipient is male or female.