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!
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Recommended fun performances that will appeal to seniors (11–20)
Umbrella spinning
A performance where various objects are rolled atop an umbrella.
It’s often showcased around New Year’s and feels auspicious.
The choice of which umbrella to use and what objects to roll is crucial—aim for a balance between the umbrella’s strength and the weight and shape of the items.
If you focus only on ease of spinning, the angle tends to make it hard for the audience to see, so it’s recommended to structure the act by gradually raising it from face level.
Keep practicing to achieve that lucky-looking scene of spinning a masu box on a traditional Japanese umbrella.
loach scooping
This piece portrays someone scooping loaches in time with the folk song Yasugibushi, which is passed down in Yasugi City, Shimane Prefecture.
While it is a traditional performing art, its unique movements have also made it a staple act at banquet entertainments.
Wearing a conical hat and a tenugui headscarf and holding a strainer in hand, the performer expresses the act of scooping loaches.
A performance with the face covered can certainly energize the crowd, but since this art form is meant to convey humor, it’s recommended to present it in a way that spreads smiles to those around you.
Ogiri (Japanese improv-style comedy wordplay game)
Ogiri is well-known as a segment on the TV show “Shoten.” It’s a performance where participants come up with humorous answers that fit a given theme.
You can have people tackle ogiri straight on, or aim for a friendlier feel by structuring it like a parody of “Shoten.” I think it’s important to keep the prompts and responses audience-conscious and easy to understand.
If you give the host and contestants distinctive personalities, it’ll be easier for viewers to root for them, which should make things even more exciting.
prop-based wordplay
For party entertainment, comedy is a classic choice.
To make seniors laugh, simpler bits might be easier to understand.
In that case, we recommend “mono-boke,” which uses various props.
Think up different patterns, like parodies of object names or skits based on situations suggested by the objects.
It can also be fun to test quick thinking by handing someone a prop and having them perform a bit on the spot.
Since speed and volume are key, if you can’t come up with a joke, just power through with momentum—like shouting the object’s name.
pantomime
Pantomime is the skill of making it look like something exists in an empty space.
It’s a classic act for parties and the like, and the fact that it requires no props is a bonus.
The routine where you make it seem like there’s an invisible wall is easy to understand, so starting there is recommended.
Where you place your hands and which parts of your body you tense are key points for making it look realistic, so keep practicing to master them.
If you also pay attention to your facial expressions and create a comical vibe, it should make things even more exciting.
fashion show
How about holding a fashion show by seniors, for seniors—something that’s only possible in a gathering of older adults? By letting participants enjoy the fresh experience of dressing up in glamorous fashion, it can be a big, stimulating change and help them feel youthful at heart.
Some people may find it hard to plan their own outfits, so in that case, it might be good for those around them to help, or to ask a professional.
If not only the onlookers but even the person dressing up can present a fresh new look, the event is sure to be a hit.
Recommended fun performances that will appeal to seniors (21–30)
Impersonation
Let’s liven up the gathering with impressions of stars who colored the youths of our seniors! If you perform impressions of Hibari Misora, Shizuko Kasagi—the model for the morning drama “Boogie Woogie”—or Noriko Awaya, it might bring back fond memories of their younger days.
In doing impressions, trying to sound exactly alike matters, but capturing key traits and boldly exaggerating them can often get the feeling across surprisingly well.
Even if you’ve never tried impressions before, why not give it a shot?
