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!
- [For Seniors] Guaranteed to Liven Things Up! A Collection of Brain Training Activities That Will Spark Laughter
- Entertainment and Performances That Delight at Day Services for the Elderly
- [For Seniors] Simple Recreational Activities You Can Enjoy While Seated
- [For Staff at Elderly Care Facilities] Simple Performances to Liven Up a Year-End Party
- [Respect-for-the-Aged Day Celebration] Crowd-Pleasing Performances: Ideas That Staff Can Enjoy Too
- For Seniors: Fun Entertainment That Excites at Nursing Homes
- [For Seniors] Lively! Entertainment Ideas for New Year’s Parties
- Performances to Liven Up New Year Parties for Elderly Care Facility Staff
- [For Seniors] Fun Recreational Activities Without Equipment
- Entertainment ideas for year-end parties that seniors will enjoy
- [For Seniors] Easy and fun seated activities you can do in your room
- For seniors: Simple and exciting! Ideas for staff performances
- [For Seniors] Fun and Lively! Recommended Quiz Questions
Fun performance ideas that are popular with seniors (ages 71–80)
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

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

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

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

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

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/7109002320926608642It’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.


