[For Seniors] Fun and Informative! Trivia and Quizzes Introduced

Social worker / Care workermoko
My name is Moko, a mother of three who admired my mother and worked in the care industry as a care worker and as a medical social worker (MSW) in a hospital. I will be drawing on my previous experience to write mainly about caregiving. Thank you in advance.
Care Worker Initial Training Certification ObtainedNakajima Junko
Leveraging my experience working as a care worker at a day service, I am currently active as a writer in the caregiving and welfare fields. Beyond writing, I hope to expand my work into web design and illustration. I am a mother of three who has begun studying to become a certified social worker.

Have you ever found it hard to keep a conversation going with an older adult, or wondered what to talk about?

At times like that, why not incorporate some fun trivia into your communication?

It can liven up the conversation, help you learn things you didn’t know before, and make for an enjoyable time together.

There’s trivia that feels familiar to older adults, as well as tidbits with surprising answers.

Trivia quizzes are also great as ideas for recreational activities.

They can be done while seated and are suitable for all genders, so many people can enjoy them.

Quizzes stimulate the brain and can help prevent dementia or slow its progression.

Try incorporating trivia quizzes while having fun!

[For Seniors] Fun and Informative! Trivia and Quizzes (101–110)

How many hours before going to bed should you eat dinner?

While you may want to lie down right after a delicious dinner, it’s best to wait a bit.

So how long should you wait after dinner? The answer is three hours.

Food takes about two to three hours to digest.

If you go to bed sooner than three hours, it puts a burden on your digestive system as it’s still working, and that activity can also make it harder to fall asleep.

If you have no choice but to eat late, have a small snack in the late afternoon and keep your dinner to about 70% full.

Raise the rankinglower

SAKI

Report a problem

Which vegetable is not commonly eaten abroad because it is associated with the image of a tree root?

There are many foods that are only eaten in Japan or not particularly liked elsewhere, but what vegetable could “tree roots” be referring to? In Japan, it’s a common ingredient and is often used in cooking.

The phrase “tree roots” reflects the vegetable’s appearance, so that might help you figure it out.

The answer is burdock root (gobo)! Many people overseas find its distinctive smell and astringency off-putting, but gobo is rich in dietary fiber and is very good for your health.

Raise the rankinglower

SAKI

Report a problem

Ichiro, a former professional baseball player who also excelled in the Major Leagues. He has two brothers; is he the older or the younger son?

Ichiro Suzuki, known simply as Ichiro, made a tremendous impact not only in Japan but also in Major League Baseball in the United States.

Although he retired in 2019 to much regret, his achievements remain etched in many people’s memories.

Ichiro actually has a sibling, but is he the older or younger brother? From his name, you might think he’s the firstborn, but the answer is that he’s the younger brother! It’s the kind of question many people might get wrong, so it could be fun to pose the same quiz to someone after this.

By the way, his older brother’s name also includes the character for “one” (一).

Raise the rankinglower

SAKI

Report a problem

What is the food offering that symbolizes a rope for tying up the belongings that the returned ancestors will take back with them?

Somen noodles, which we often enjoy in the peak of summer, are connected to an Obon-related custom.

Let’s liven things up with an Obon quiz featuring somen! Please ask: “What food is offered as a symbol of a cord for tying up the luggage that returning ancestors will take back with them?” The surprising answer is somen.

During Obon, ancestors who return to this world receive many offerings.

There’s a legend that somen is used as the cord to bundle those offerings.

With this bit of Obon trivia, you’ll have something to proudly share with your family!

Raise the rankinglower

miyabi

Report a problem

What color are the lanterns used during the first Obon (shinbon)?

Shinbon (the first Bon) refers to the first Obon observed after a person has passed away.

More precisely, it is the first Obon that comes after the forty-ninth day memorial period has ended, and the name varies by region—such as “shinbon” or “arabon.” During the first Obon only, a white lantern called “hakumonten” is displayed.

The reason is to serve as a marker so that the spirit of the deceased, returning for the first time, does not lose its way.

Some older adults may already know this, but since it’s very informative, why not turn it into a quiz to help people feel the season?

Raise the rankinglower

miyabi

Report a problem

[For Seniors] Fun and Informative! Trivia and Quizzes (111–120)

What is the most harvested fruit in Japan?

In Japan, you can enjoy a variety of fruits depending on the season.

So here’s a question: What fruit is harvested the most in Japan? Try considering factors like the season and region.

The correct answer is mikan.

More precisely, it’s the satsuma mandarin, with a total weight exceeding 740,000 tons.

By the way, the second most harvested is apples at over 660,000 tons, and third is watermelon at over 330,000 tons.

Comparing them like this really shows just how many mikans are harvested.

Raise the rankinglower

yamamoto

Report a problem

A certain Japanese custom began because it originates from Obon. What is the custom?

There is a Japanese custom that originates from Obon.

What is this event? The answer is “Ochūgen,” a summer tradition alongside the winter “Oseibo,” in which people send gifts to those who have helped them.

Because Obon carries the meaning of honoring and giving thanks to one’s ancestors, the practice of expressing gratitude to those who have supported you during this season spread as Ochūgen.

It’s a custom that heightens a sense of joy, including the fun of thinking about what kind of gift will best convey your appreciation.

Raise the rankinglower

kappamaki

Report a problem