[For Seniors] Fun and Engaging Brain-Training Recreation

Who am I? Historical Figures Edition

“Who Am I?” Quiz: Historical Figures Edition! Fun brain-training questions for seniors [10 easy questions]

Let me introduce “Who Am I?”, a game where you guess a famous historical figure using three hints.

Each hint becomes more specific—second more than the first, third more than the second—so both history buffs and beginners can enjoy it.

You can also project it on a screen to play with a large group.

Using a rule like “If you know the answer, raise your hand instead of saying it” prevents spoilers and keeps it fun, while a rule like “Discuss your thoughts together as you go” lets everyone enjoy thinking it through as a group.

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kojifumi

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A game where you associate kanji with pictures

[Associative Kanji] Brain Training #3: Guess Which Kanji the Picture Represents – A Popular Association Game for Dementia Prevention

Let’s look at a picture and use our imagination! Here’s an idea for a game where you associate kanji with a picture.

It’s said to be popular as a way to help prevent dementia.

For example, prepare an illustration showing three trees in a row and think about which kanji it represents.

The answer is “森” (mori, meaning “forest”).

In this way, it’s a simple and fun game where you look at an illustration and answer with the kanji that fits.

Since it makes you think, you’ll likely feel refreshed when you figure out the answer! Give it a try!

Association game: various surnames

[Word Association Game] Various Surnames

There are many different surnames in Japan.

Depending on the region, you might find people with rare surnames, or areas where many people share the same surname.

According to one theory, surnames have various origins: some come from the family line one was born into, others from occupations, and still others from the places where people lived.

So this time, we’d like to introduce “Word Association Game: All About Surnames.” Give participants one minute to think of as many surnames as they can.

After one minute, have them say the surnames they came up with and write them on a whiteboard or similar.

One person can aim for 10, or the whole group can aim for 50.

It’s perfect as a mental workout, so please give it a try!

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kojifumi

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Single-Overlaid Kanji Association Quiz

Single-Character Overlaid Kanji Association Quiz! Who will claim the glory...? [No way!]

Let me introduce the “Overlapping Kanji Single-Character Association Quiz,” which features a two-step challenge: writing multiple kanji stacked in one spot, then guessing what the combined kanji makes you think of.

First, you have to decipher the kanji gathered in one place—but it won’t be straightforward.

Don’t rush; tackle them one by one.

Once you figure out the overlapping kanji, derive an answer such as something associated with that character—an object, a person’s name, or a place name.

Since it’s quite difficult, it’s a good idea to start with problems that overlap just two kanji.

Be sure to savor the sense of accomplishment when you get it right!

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kojifumi

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Mix-and-match flag

@hirose_ds

TranslationElderlyRecreationRecriMix togetherFlag#Cognitive functiondeclinePrevention

♬ HandClap – Fitz & the Tantrums

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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Choose the middle letter and make a three-letter word.

@husanasomana

Let's have fun making handmade cards!#Indoor PlayChildcareProductionwork

♬ Original song – husanasomana – Sakafure (formerly Asomana-kan)

This is an idea for making three-letter words by choosing the middle letter.

The concept is to correctly match quiz cards with answer cards.

For example, if the quiz card says “な○ま,” you would look for “か” among the answer cards.

Depending on the quiz, there might be multiple correct answers.

Once you get used to it, you can also increase or decrease the number of letters.

The more letters there are, the more complex the quiz becomes.

First, try finding three-letter words that could work as quiz prompts.

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yamamoto

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Proverb Match

[Senior Recreation] Card Game: Proverb Matching!

Let me introduce a proverb matching game that stimulates your vocabulary while having fun.

First, prepare 20–30 proverbs and write the first half and second half on separate cards.

Lay the cards out randomly on a table and look for pairs that form complete proverbs by matching the first halves with the second halves.

Because it uses familiar Japanese proverbs, it encourages you to revisit your memory, rediscover culture and general knowledge, and activate cognitive functions.

The sense of achievement when you find the correct pair can also boost self-esteem! It will be even more exciting if you split into teams or pairs and work together.

Please give it a try.