[For Seniors] Extremely Effective Brain Training! A Fun Collection of Hand Games
As a form of recreation for older adults, many facilities incorporate hand games that involve moving the fingers and arms.
It’s said that making fine movements with the fingertips or performing different motions with the right and left arms helps activate the brain.
In this article, we’ll introduce a variety of hand games that also serve as brain training.
These hand games range widely—from activities that only move the fingertips to ones that use the arms, and even the upper body and legs.
Please choose activities that match participants’ physical condition.
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For Seniors: Highly Effective Brain Training! A Fun Collection of Hand Games (51–60)
Ping-pong ball catcher
Let me introduce a game called Pinball Catcher, which lets you do foot rehabilitation while having fun.
Prepare a table set at an angle, add walls on both sides, and place obstacles on the table using disposable containers or similar items.
Once the participants have nets attached to their feet, you’re ready to go.
Roll a ping-pong ball from the top of the table.
Predict the ball’s path as it bounces off obstacles, and catch it with the net attached to your foot.
Because you have to move your feet while watching where the ball will drop, it makes for great foot training.
Put the ping-pong ball in
In facilities for the elderly and similar settings, daily recreation is common, but preparing large-scale activities can be difficult.
This time, we’ll introduce a fun game you can play with everyday items: the “Ping-Pong Ball Drop” game.
Set up walls on both sides of a table using empty tissue boxes, and place paper cups on the table.
Have participants throw ping-pong balls and try to land them in the cups.
If you write point values on the cups and compete for scores, even spectators can get excited and enjoy the game together.
Seated Rhythm Exercises to Classic Showa-Era Hits
This time, we’d like to introduce “singing exercises” that get your body moving to nostalgic Showa-era hits.
Since you’ll be moving your body, it’s best to start with a slower tempo.
When you move to music, your brain is continuously handling multiple activities—keeping the beat, moving your body, and planning what to do next.
Because of this, a wealth of stimuli activates the brain, and it’s said to offer benefits similar to brain training.
Once you get used to it, adding singing while you move will stimulate your brain even more.
Do it within a comfortable range, and most of all, enjoy yourself.
Chestnut Picking Game
Let me introduce the Chestnut-Picking Game, a fun way to help with arm rehabilitation.
Make ring shapes out of construction paper in the shape of chestnuts and write point values on them.
You can also make maple and ginkgo leaves to set the mood.
Once you place everything in a cardboard box, you’re ready to go.
Use a cane to pick up the chestnuts and compete based on the points of the ones you collect.
Once everyone gets used to it, add a time limit, such as finishing within 30 seconds, or rules like making the last chestnut worth double points to keep it feeling fresh and exciting.
It can be enjoyed while sitting in a chair or using just one hand, so it’s recommended as a recreational activity at senior care facilities.
For Seniors: Highly Effective Brain Training! A Fun Collection of Hand Games (61–70)
Music Therapy Handbell Concert
Let me introduce music therapy using handbells.
In handbell ensembles, each person is responsible for specific notes on the scale, which actually requires a lot of concentration.
Even with familiar children’s songs, you need to remember exactly when to play your note.
The timing is important, and you also have to adjust the volume with your arm movements.
Because this sends a lot of stimulation to the brain, it can be expected to have brain-training effects.
In addition, since it is often done in groups, it naturally fosters interaction among participants, and the sense of accomplishment when it all comes together is exceptional.
Rhythmic gymnastics at Blue Light Yokohama
Released in 1968, “Blue Light Yokohama” is one of the signature songs of the Showa era.
Many older adults have likely sung it at karaoke or heard it on TV or the radio.
Let’s try some rhythmic exercises with this familiar tune.
Since the song portrays a couple in love, it could be fun to incorporate movements that match the lyrics.
Older adults might feel nostalgic, recalling the time when this song was popular as they exercise.
You could even sing along while doing the exercises.
Rhythmic gymnastics on a journey of the heart
Introducing a rhythm exercise to accompany a gentle, heartwarming melody.
While seated, clap your hands to the song and alternately touch the insides of your knees.
Cross your arms in front of your chest as if placing your hands on your shoulders.
Moving your feet with stepping motions can also serve as a workout for the brain.
The key is to use big, full-body movements, but keep it within a comfortable, enjoyable range.
When you move, try to include your facial expressions and feelings—doing so may make singing your heart’s journey even more fun.
