[For Seniors] Flag-raising recreation: brain training and dementia prevention

Octopus-Squid Game

If you change the flags in the flag-raising game to octopuses or squids, it creates a different atmosphere.

Stick paper drawings of an octopus or a squid on both legs, and raise them in time with the commands.

Leg strength weakens with age, making people more prone to falling or stumbling.

Since this is a seated recreation that involves moving the legs, it’s easy for older adults to participate.

It also helps if a care worker holds the ‘flags’ and demonstrates raising and lowering them.

Besides octopuses and squids, anything with clearly distinguishable colors will work.

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Nakajima Junko

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Flag-raising game using flowers

How about using colorful flowers instead of flags for the Flag-Raising Game? It’s the same game as usual, but the atmosphere changes—it becomes cute and soothing.

You can easily make flowers using thin, colored tissue paper called “ohanagami” from 100-yen shops.

It can also be fun to have everyone make paper flowers together before the game.

In addition to using both hands, you can adapt it for older participants by attaching flowers to their feet for the game, which should be exciting too.

With simple movements like raising and lowering the arms and legs, let’s improve physical function and boost immunity.

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Nakajima Junko

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Flag-raising game

Ai no Kokubōan Flag-Raising Game

Listen carefully to the commands and try the flag-raising challenge! Here are some ideas for a flag-raising game.

In this game, you hold red and white flags and follow commands like “Raise red, lower white,” raising and lowering the flags accordingly.

It’s a simple yet classic game with unique rules that test your concentration and has been loved for generations.

Just tape cut construction paper onto straws or chopsticks to make the flags, and you’re ready to go! Even if you get tripped up, it’s great to keep the mood light and enjoy the challenge.

Mix-and-match flag

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The Mix-and-Match Flags activity also deepens knowledge about colors.

The method is very simple.

First, give participants origami paper in various colors.

Next, present a target color.

If the target is “pink,” for example, one person would hold up red origami and another would hold up white.

The idea is that participants cooperate to create the target color.

If you first explain which color combinations produce which colors, it can also help train memory.

Have everyone work together and enjoy the excitement.

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yamamoto

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