[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 (41–50)
Setsubun Quiz
A Setsubun quiz is a wonderful way to spark intellectual curiosity and provide an enjoyable time for older adults.
From simple questions like “When is Setsubun?” to slightly more challenging ones such as “Why do we throw beans on Setsubun?”, quizzes about this beloved tradition—cherished across generations—stimulate participants’ memories and imagination.
In addition, topics related to ehomaki offer a chance to enjoy food culture, warming both heart and body.
Let’s use Setsubun quizzes to energize communication and spend a joyful, smile-filled time together.
Bean-Throwing Exercise
February is the season for Setsubun, isn’t it? Let me introduce a seated “bean-throwing exercise” perfect for this time of year.
You move along to the children’s song “Mame-maki.” Since it imitates real bean throwing—with big arm lifts and swings—it provides a good workout for the upper body.
It also sounds fun to mimic an ogre’s expressions or try wearing a mask.
In actual bean throwing, there’s a risk that older adults might accidentally swallow the beans, so caution is needed.
But with the music-based “bean-throwing exercise,” you can do it safely!
Postman Delivery Exercises
The “〒” symbol that you only ever see on mail began to be used on February 8, 1887, by the Ministry of Communications, later the Ministry of Posts.
In connection with February 8, the day of the 〒 mark, here’s an exercise inspired by the motions of delivering letters.
It’s structured so that the full body performs movements that are usually done with the hands—like extending a hand to post a letter—stretching the arms and legs in sequence while feeling the rhythm.
By incorporating actions like returning a stretched part to its original position or extending parts simultaneously, it also helps improve concentration on what to move next.
Demons out, fortune in. Bean-throwing brain training.
Setsubun is a representative February event, and the bean-throwing ritual to drive away demons really gives a sense of the season.
Here is a simple chair-based exercise inspired by the motions of bean-throwing so you can fully feel Setsubun.
For “Oni wa soto” (Demons out), make a demon pose by raising your hands over your head with index fingers up, then perform a bean-throwing motion.
For “Fuku wa uchi” (Good fortune in), make a good-luck pose by placing circles on your cheeks, then perform a motion as if embracing with both hands.
Do these in time with the caller’s words.
Encourage participants to focus on which movement to do and to be mindful of their movement quality and timing.
Kinako Boro
These kinako bolo cookies let you enjoy the Setsubun vibe while getting a good dose of protein.
The appeal is how easy they are: you only need four ingredients—egg yolk, sugar, potato starch, and roasted soybean flour (kinako).
Mix them together, roll into balls about the size of soybeans, and bake in the oven to make a light, melt-in-the-mouth snack.
Since some ovens brown more quickly than others, keep an eye on them and adjust the baking time as needed.
They’re a nice way to get into the Setsubun spirit even if you’re not a fan of beans.
Plus, the tactile fun of rolling the dough is another charming touch.
Caramel Nuts with Setsubun Beans
Have you ever ended up with leftover beans from Setsubun? Caramel nuts made with Setsubun beans are perfect for times like that.
In fact, it’s a very simple recipe you can make with just a frying pan.
First, melt sugar and butter to make a caramel.
Next, coat the Setsubun beans, walnuts, almonds, and the like.
Then let it cool and set, and it quickly turns into a crispy, toasty snack.
The gentle sweetness and nutty bean aroma give it a nice Japanese touch.
It would go well with tea, too.
Game delivered to you
@hirose_ds TranslationElderlyRecreationValentine's Daytranslationpaper cupBalloonTarget practice
♪ One Million “I love you” – FUKI
Using simple paper cups, the “Deliver It to You” game launches a ping-pong ball from a cup as you take aim.
The force you use to pull the balloon will change how powerfully the ball flies.
If you hit and knock something down with the ping-pong ball, you win.
You can enjoy it either standing or sitting by adjusting the angle and how you hold it.
Aim at letters you want to send a message to, or shoot at any target you like.
It’s a fun game that helps build hand strength and concentration.
