[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)
Infection prevention exercises
During the cold season the air gets dry and the risk of catching a cold increases.
Here’s an exercise that can help prevent infections by moving not only your body but also your mouth.
Basically, it’s a stretching routine that involves extending the body broadly, and by having you say the counts out loud, it also works the mouth at the same time.
After moving your body, focus on exercises around the mouth—like the lips—to promote smooth pronunciation and saliva production.
Moving your body along with your mouth may also help improve circulation throughout the body.
Fall prevention exercises
In the cold season, muscles tend to stiffen, and when your body doesn’t move smoothly, the risk of falling increases.
This routine focuses on loosening the entire body—especially the legs—to help prevent falls.
Start with a warm-up that moves the arms and shoulders broadly; this warms the whole body and prepares you to perform the leg exercises with proper posture.
Then progress to full-body movements that incorporate the legs, making sure to work the thighs, calves, and ankles thoroughly.
Combining arm and leg movements also engages your mind, further enhancing the effectiveness—highly recommended.
Snowy Konko Exercises
This activity involves singing the classic winter-themed song “Yuki” while moving your body in a fun way.
By singing and moving at the same time, you can effectively engage in brain training and help loosen the muscles around your mouth.
For the movements, it’s important to express the falling snow in line with the lyrics and to be mindful of moving your arms and legs up and down.
It’s recommended to loosen up your body with warm-up exercises first and maintain proper posture, so you can move smoothly while singing out loud.
Gymnastics for a Valentine’s Day kiss while sitting in a chair
“Valentine Kiss,” a song with nationwide recognition that represents Valentine’s Day.
Released in 1986 by Sayuri Kokusho, who is active as a singer and actress, it may evoke nostalgia for some older adults.
This is an exercise done to the melody’s pop tones while moving the upper body from a seated position.
Since it’s arranged at a slower tempo than the original, it can be done with gentle movements, making it recommended for seniors.
Try this health-promoting exercise along with a song that captures the feeling of February.
Oni Pants Song Exercise
“Ogre Pants,” known for being featured on NHK’s Minna no Uta and for Seiji Tanaka’s 1975 release, is an arrangement of the Italian song “Funiculì, Funiculà” and enjoys widespread recognition in Japan.
A choreography has been devised to match the Japanese lyrics, allowing you to enjoy a unique upper-body workout through posing.
Trying to sing along while moving your body not only gets you active but can also help stimulate the brain.
Why not try this exercise themed around oni, the iconic character of February?
Ha Hi Fu He Ho Laughing Exercise
In the cold season, it can feel like not only your body but even the muscles in your face are stiff.
This exercise helps relax both your facial and body muscles, and by laughing out loud, it also makes you feel happy.
You’ll form the shapes of the Japanese syllables “Ha, Hi, Fu, He, Ho” with your body, and match each shape with a clear, audible laugh.
To project your voice, pay attention to your posture—this is key.
Let your voice help loosen your whole body, and by layering your voices together, let’s keep both body and mind healthy.
[For Seniors] Get Through the Cold February! Recommended Health-Themed Recreations (21–30)
oral exercises
In winter, dryness is just as much a concern as the cold—if you’re not careful, even your mouth can get dry.
These exercises involve moving your mouth thoroughly, which can help prevent that dryness.
The classic mouth exercise is “pa-ta-ka-ra,” but here we’ll also try pronouncing “ra-ta-pa-kka,” focusing on the popping sounds and moving the mouth deliberately.
The key points are tongue movement and how you use your breath, so it’s best to first check how your mouth moves for each syllable before you start.
Alternating between “pa-ta-ka-ra” and “ra-ta-pa-kka” helps you pay even more attention to the movements of your mouth.