[For Seniors] Fun and Engaging Brain-Training Recreation

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.

The “Haa” game

“Haa” Game: How to Play Video

I’d like to introduce a game called “Haa Game,” where everyone acts out prompts and guesses each other’s roles.

Staff make handmade voting cards and voting chips using drawing paper, hand them out, and then everyone selects one prompt card from the set we prepared.

After distributing an Act Card to each person, act out the prompt’s line according to the situation assigned to you.

When acting, you may only use your voice and facial expressions.

The others consider which kind of “haa” you’re performing and vote.

After everyone has acted, reveal the correct answers.

Each correct guesser earns 1 point, and the performer earns points equal to the number of people who guessed correctly.

The player with the most points wins! It’s a game that encourages active communication while giving your brain a workout.

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mayumi

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A game where you create prefecture names using 16 katakana characters

[Elderly Recreation] Rec Master Series Part 16: 'Find the Prefecture'

Let me introduce a fun thinking game where you create Japanese prefecture names using 16 katakana characters.

Write one katakana character per square on a sheet, preparing a paper with 16 characters.

Then, combine the katakana to see how many prefecture names you can form and compete for the highest count.

It’s likely to get lively if you split into teams, set a time limit at each table, and take on the challenge.

It’s also a fun game that can help prevent cognitive decline and stimulate communication, so give it a try.

You might discover something new!

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mayumi

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