[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)
Oni Cupcake
Here’s a fun idea for Setsubun: demon-themed cupcakes.
These cupcakes are decorated with an oni face motif.
Prepare the facial parts—eyes, nose, and mouth—separately using chocolate.
For the hair, use whipped cream, and for the horns, place store-bought snacks on top.
Since it’s just decorating cupcakes, anyone can get started easily.
If you switch the whipped cream to chocolate whipped cream, you can make different-colored demons, too.
It would look great to line them up together.
[For Seniors] Get Through the Cold February! Recommended Health-Themed Recreations (51–60)
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.
10-minute morning exercise
It’s hard to get your body moving in the morning, isn’t it? And everyone feels a bit groggy right after waking up.
At times like that, try some quick exercises to wake up your body and brain.
First, bring the fingertips of both hands together, then spin the opposing fingers in circles as if they’re playing tag.
Do this from the thumbs to the little fingers.
Next, move the muscles in your face, such as by opening your mouth wide.
Finally, use both your hands and feet for a full-body exercise.
If you’re an older adult, please prioritize safety and try these exercises while seated.
foot bath
As December arrives, the winter chill really starts to set in, and the desire to warm up grows stronger, doesn’t it? A great health practice that helps you get through the cold—and is perfect for relaxation—is a foot bath.
It’s simple: just soak your feet in warm water.
Warming your feet improves circulation and helps warm your entire body.
You can enjoy it in various ways, like taking your time while chatting, or adding bath salts to enjoy the fragrance—there are plenty of versatile options.
Heart finger exercise
This is an exercise inspired by the finger-heart gesture, where you cross your thumb and index finger to make a heart shape.
Sparked by its popularity in the K-pop scene, this hand gesture also gained attention in Japan—so let’s try movements that incorporate it.
Along with making a large heart by cupping both hands together, repeating these actions can help stimulate the brain.
In addition to changing the shape each time, it’s also recommended to try different variations under various conditions.
It’s a heartwarming recreation that brings to mind February’s Valentine’s Day.
Warm-Body Exercises
In February, when the cold is at its peak, you can feel chilly even indoors.
How about trying some warming exercises that help keep older adults cozy, whether they’re in a senior facility or attending day services? Once you finish warm-up stretches to loosen the body, start the routine.
By working through exercises in order—beginning with mouth movements, then moving on to ankle mobility and shoulder blade exercises—you’ll warm up the body.
After finishing movements for the waist and feet, end with deep breathing.
By trying these easy, seated exercises, you can raise your body temperature and also expect training benefits.
Leg exercises with beanbags
Here’s a foot exercise you can do indoors using beanbags.
Sit in a chair and place one beanbag on your knee.
Do a marching motion with the leg that has the beanbag on it.
Start with one leg, then gradually try placing beanbags on both legs or increase the number of beanbags.
Not only does this work as a foot exercise, but keeping the beanbags from falling while you march also helps improve concentration.
Because it doesn’t require heavy objects and can be done while seated, it’s recommended for older adults as well.
When the weather turns warm, you feel like moving your body, right? This simple indoor beanbag foot exercise is an easy way to get started.
