RAG MusicRecreation
Lovely senior life

Recommended fun performances that will appeal to elderly people

At day service centers and residential facilities where many older adults gather, seasonal events are often held.

Some staff members may be wondering what kind of performances will delight the seniors at these times.

In this article, we introduce easy-to-implement entertainment ideas and games.

We’ve picked out performances that staff can present, as well as activities that seniors can join in together.

Let’s aim for a crowd-pleasing event that everyone can enjoy and get the excitement going!

Fun performance ideas that are popular with seniors (ages 71–80)

Ninety Years Old. What’s There to Celebrate?

Official 60-second trailer for “Ninety Years Old: What's There to Celebrate?” [In theaters 6/21 (holiday)]
Ninety Years Old. What's There to Celebrate?

This film is based on an essay by Aiko Sato and depicts worries and frustrations unique to the elderly, all with a touch of humor.

A key point is that Mitsuko Kusabue, who was 90 at the time, played the lead role; her age adds further credibility to the character’s lines.

While it takes aging—something everyone experiences—as its theme, the comedic approach seems to offer hints for living life positively.

The way the protagonist bluntly speaks her mind may also be an important element that heightens the excitement of the story.

It’s Tough Being a Family

What a Wonderful Family! - Trailer
It's Tough Being a Family

The film “What a Wonderful Family!” is a comedic depiction of family bonds and the nature of marriage, sparked by a divorce uproar between an elderly couple.

It humorously portrays the issues modern families face, offering viewers both empathy and laughter.

As the parents’ potential divorce triggers further troubles within the family, the suspense of how events will unfold becomes a key point of interest.

While the overall tone is light and enjoyable, the film also carries a warmth that prompts viewers to reconsider the importance of family and the bonds between spouses.

Mito Komon Exercise

Activity Care in 3 Minutes Vol.16 [Exercise] “Everyone Knows It! Mito Komon” Gymnastics
Mito Komon Exercise

This is an exercise routine that moves the whole body to the theme song of Mito Kōmon, a staple of period dramas.

Because it uses a song everyone knows, the music itself is enjoyable.

Despite its powerful feel, the song’s gentle tempo is another key point; moving your body while catching the rhythm helps you generate strength.

Once you get used to moving along with the music, doing it while singing is also recommended, as it is expected to help improve cognitive function.

Recommended fun performances that will appeal to seniors (ages 81–90)

Milk carton tower

Activity Care in 3 Minutes Vol. 2 [Play] Milk Carton Building Blocks for All Generations: “It’s very simple! Let’s stack and play with milk cartons.”
Milk carton tower

This is a game where players compete to see how high they can stack cross-section slices of milk cartons within a time limit.

Since you’re stacking square cartons, your strategy—such as the angle at which you place each piece—and your ability to concentrate are put to the test.

The time limit is a key element: balancing speed with accuracy can help stimulate the brain.

If the carton widths are random, choosing which pieces to use also demands focus, making it an even more challenging and enjoyable experience.

Exciting towel activity

Senior activities: 5 towel games that are a huge hit and guaranteed to get everyone excited #RecreationForSeniors #Towel #Lively
Exciting towel activity

This is a game that tests how quickly you can make decisions by seeing the outcome of rock-paper-scissors and taking immediate action.

Towels are placed on the table: the winner of rock-paper-scissors quickly pulls the towel, while the loser immediately presses down on it.

If the towel isn’t pulled out, the game continues, and this sequence repeats until someone successfully pulls the towel free.

To act quickly in line with the rock-paper-scissors result, focus and on-the-spot judgment seem to be crucial.

Samurai Hustle

Trailer for the film "Samurai Hustle"
Samurai Hustle

When you think of sankin-kotai in the Edo period, you probably picture a slow, long-distance journey on foot.

Samurai Hustle flips that image on its head by portraying sankin-kotai with a deliberately high-speed, opposite approach in a period comedy.

It humorously highlights how a small, impoverished domain uses wit and ingenuity to tackle the shogunate’s unreasonable demands.

Through the lord played by Kuranosuke Sasaki and his colorful retainers, you feel both laughter and a strong sense of camaraderie.

It’s a work that seems to convey the message that if you don’t give up, a path will open.

Chaotic Balloon Volleyball

https://www.tiktok.com/@cs.matsuyama/video/7109002320926608642

It’s a game where two teams sit facing each other across a table and try to knock as many balloons as possible into the opponent’s side.

With so many balloons in play, players must fend off attacks while batting balloons away, so quick hand movements are put to the test.

During the time limit, you’re constantly chasing balloons with your hands, creating a lively atmosphere.

By eagerly reaching for the colorful balloons, the game not only trains physical movement but also offers visual enjoyment.