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Lovely senior life

[For Seniors] Fun and Engaging Brain-Training Recreation

We’ve put together a collection of brain-training puzzles and simple exercises that you’ll want to actively incorporate into recreational activities.

It’s easy to get bored with the same types of puzzles and games, right?

Let’s liven up your recreation time with puzzles you haven’t tried before, or some quirky and fun challenges and exercises!

If it’s difficult, try allowing more time to think or offering hints so everyone can enjoy it as they go.

We’re also introducing plenty of activities that can make people laugh and lighten the mood, even if they don’t know the answer.

Feel free to use these as a reference and put them to good use!

[For Seniors] Fun and Exciting Brain Training Recreational Activities (91–100)

Chestnut Picking Game

Chestnut Picking Game #dayservice #recreation #chestnutpicking #game #elderly
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.

Music Therapy Handbell Concert

Senior recreation: music therapy handbell concert❣️
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.

Music Therapy: Fun with Rhythm

Recreation that uses music is popular with many people.

This time, we’ll introduce ideas for rhythm-based music therapy.

When you move your body to a rhythm, it becomes a dual task: you have to both “listen” to the rhythm and “move” in time with it, processing these two actions simultaneously.

This creates a situation where the brain works to its fullest.

Above all, moving together to music tends to create excitement and a sense of unity, making it a fun activity for everyone.

Fox Dance

Let’s dance the “Fox Dance” in the caregiving setting! [Rehabilitation Day Salon ‘Umi’] Day service (daycare) in Yokosuka City
Fox Dance

Let me introduce the Fox Dance that you can enjoy together with older adults.

It’s recommended because you can move your body while sitting in a chair.

After making a fox shape with your hands, use your arms and hands to dance.

The song has a quick tempo, but move within a comfortable range.

Once you get used to the moves, it could be fun to add some marching steps from the second round.

When it’s time to turn your neck, be careful to avoid falls.

The Fox Dance might be a great opportunity to spark new communication!

Number Exercise

Senior activity! Number exercises #dayservice #caregiving #recreation
Number Exercise

Here’s a fun number exercise where you get to learn movements, too.

For 1, touch your head with both hands.

For 2, cross your hands in front of your chest.

For 3, clap your hands and move your body.

The moves and rules are simple, but since you have to think, you might get a little confused at first.

Until you get used to it, say the numbers clearly and keep a slow rhythm.

Once it becomes familiar, try adding combinations where you call out two numbers, or speed up the rhythm for a challenge.

Let’s make it something you can enjoy while you practice.

Rhythmic gymnastics at Blue Light Yokohama

Seated singing exercise: “Showa Kayō Blue Light Yokohama” – rhythm exercises for seniors and older adults #seniors #exercise
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

A seated sing-along exercise “Kokoro no Tabi – Tulip”: rhythm exercises for seniors #seniors #exercise
Rhythmic gymnastics on a journey of the heart

Let me introduce a rhythm exercise you can do on a gentle, melody-filled journey of the heart.

While seated, clap along with 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 in step as well may also serve as a good workout for the brain.

The key is to move your whole body with large motions, but only within a comfortable, enjoyable range.

When you move, try to include your facial expressions and feelings too—you may find it even more fun to sing your heart’s journey.