[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 (21–30)
Setsubun pinata whacking
@cs.matsuyama TranslationSetsubun 2022Pinata WhackingRecreation
♬ Original Song – Care Support Matsuyama – Care Support Matsuyama
Piñata breaking originated in Mexico, but in recent years it’s been seen at various events in Japan as well.
At birthday parties and Halloween, you hit it with a stick and candy comes out, so it’s especially popular with kids.
How about trying a Setsubun-themed version of a piñata? Naturally, decorate the piñata like an oni (demon), and have older participants take a few swings to help relieve stress.
Be sure to adjust how easy it is to break to suit the participants.
Tango of the Red Ogre and the Blue Ogre
@e6u42 [Day Service Center E-Yu] The Tango of the Red Ogre and the Blue Ogre#Asahikawa#Asahikawatranslation#WelfareCaregiverCaregivingElderlyNurse#CareManagerCare ManagerHome-visit nursingHelper RecruitmentCaregiver recruitment#AssistiveDevices#WantToConnectWithCaregiversResidential fee-based nursing homeLikeLike-backLooking for followsFollow meTranslationDay service recreation#vr360-degree cameraLooking for followsSetsubunDemon#Setsubun Bento
♬ Fun Fun Fun Fun Fun Fun – Parry Gripp
The Red Ogre and Blue Ogre Tango is a game that uses your hands and also works as a visual exercise.
Prepare several cards on the table, each with illustrations of a red ogre on one side and a blue ogre on the other.
When someone says “red,” flip each card so the red ogre side is facing up.
When they say “blue,” flip them to the opposite side.
Don’t stack the cards—spread them out in different positions so it also becomes a mental exercise to locate the cards.
A faster, more energetic call-and-response might make the game even more exciting.
Have fun and give it a try!
Snowball Fight Game
@hirose_ds TranslationCaregivingElderlyRecreation#2021New Year's partySnowball fightBalloonTerritory capture
♬ Starman (2012 Remaster) – David Bowie
When it comes to winter snow play, nothing beats a snowball fight! Many of us played as kids and ended up covered in snow.
Here’s an event that brings back those fun memories: a snowball-fight game using balloons.
Put tape down the center of the room to divide it into two sides.
Place several inflated balloons on the tape, and at the starting signal, throw “snowballs” to knock the balloons over to the other team’s side.
When the game ends, the team that has moved more balloons into the opponent’s territory wins.
Throw lots of snowballs, get moving, and feel like a kid again!
Oni-korogashi (Demon Roll/Topple)
@ishizuegroup Good evening, everyone! This is Yama, PR representative of Ishizue. Here’s an introduction to the brain-training recreation at the Kokoro Day Service Center for February. This time we’re introducing “Oni Korogashi”! Everyone sits in a circle and, as soon as the music starts, begins stepping in place (or clapping for those who find stepping difficult). Following a prompt (such as names of round objects or animals), participants pass a stuffed toy wearing an oni mask to the person next to them, like a hot-potato game. The stepping, clapping, and passing the stuffed toy engage the whole body, and recalling words that match the prompt stimulates the brain’s language areas. It’s a short video, but please have a look if you’d like.#Foundation groupCaregivingTranslationRecreationBrain training#GrandmaGrandpa
Original song – Ishizue Group – Ishizue Group
The “oni rolling” game is a gentle activity that gets both the mind and body working with simple movement.
While seated, keep marching your feet, and answer the prompt that’s been given while holding a doll wearing an oni (ogre) mask.
After you answer, pass the oni doll to the next person to hand off the turn.
The person who receives the doll should answer the next prompt in order.
Clear, familiar categories like vegetables, fruits, and animals work well.
Setting a time limit will likely make it even more exciting.
Demon Balance Game
@chooobo2 Balance game 👹 This material will be distributed via an Instagram subscription ✨ You can also play by stacking plastic bottle caps or sponges 🌼Made in FebruarySetsubun craftSetsubun#HandmadeToyspaper plate#AtHomePlayPaper Plate Craft
Oria – niKu
Let’s try playing a Setsubun balance game where you place little ogres (oni) on a base made from a paper plate.
The base is shaped like a semicircle, so each time you add an oni it wobbles, keeping players on edge.
Players take turns placing oni, and whoever causes the balance to tip and makes the oni fall loses.
This game is easy to make with just a paper plate and a single sheet of paper printed with oni illustrations.
Fold the paper plate in half, then add parallel creases to the left and right of the center fold to fix it into a semicircle.
For the oni, print the illustrations on paper, cut them into strips, and fold them into rectangular shapes.
Demons out! Cap-dropping game
@toiro_efilagroup Let’s work together—demons out! 👹Nursery teacher / Childcare workerChildcare WorkerKanagawaAfter-school day service#toiro# developmental support (ryōiku)#NeurodevelopmentalDisorders#Indoor PlayTranslationTeamworkSetsubun
♪ Original song – toiro After-school Day – toiro After-school Day
It’s a game where you drop ogres made from plastic bottle caps through a hole in a plastic sheet.
There’s a hole in the center of the sheet, and everyone holds the four sides, shaking and lifting it.
If you manage to drive all the ogres into the hole, you win! Be careful with the height and position you hold the sheet—if you’re not careful, the ogres will escape off the edges instead of going through the hole.
The ogres are easy to make by gluing two caps together and sticking a face sticker on the outside.
Since everyone will be holding the plastic sheet, prepare a large one.
Sweets buffet
Since February includes Valentine’s Day, you probably want to plan an exciting event where everyone can enjoy delicious treats.
How about having fun with a sweets buffet? Try making lots of different cakes and cookies and arranging them on a table.
Both the time spent choosing and the time spent eating will surely feel special.
Prepare items that older adults tend to like—such as rice crackers and traditional Japanese sweets—and create a snack time that’s a little different from the usual!