[Even During Hospital Stays] Time-Killing Items You’d Want to Gift to Seniors
There are probably quite a few people who are wondering what to give their parents, grandparents, or other older relatives—something they can enjoy during little pockets of free time or to pass the time.
This article is a must-read for those people: we introduce fun, playable items that make perfect time-killers to give to seniors.
Try using these ideas for passing the time at home or for finding something enjoyable during a hospital stay.
We also recommend combining a few items into a gift set!
- Enjoy a Comfortable Hospital Stay! Fun Pastime Activities Recommended for Seniors
- [For Seniors] 100-yen gifts you’ll want to give: Ideas that are sure to please
- [For Seniors] Enjoy Your Alone Time: Perfect Ideas for Passing the Time
- For seniors: Recommended for day services. Hands-on activities that help prevent dementia.
- [For Seniors] Brain-training puzzle game you can enjoy solo! Perfect pastime for killing time
- [For Seniors] Recommended Birthday Gifts for Those Living in Care Facilities
- [For Seniors] Recommended Handmade Activities! Simple Ideas
- Hand games that liven things up for seniors—also great brain training
- For Seniors: Effective Recreation for Preventing Care Needs—Have Fun While Staying Healthy
- [For Seniors] Great for Brain Training! Enjoy Handmade Puzzles
- [For Seniors] What's in the Box? A Collection of Exciting Content Ideas
- [For Seniors] Today’s Recommended Activity: Fun and Engaging
- Gift ideas for seniors: presents for parents, grandparents, and friends.
[Even While Hospitalized] Pastime Items for Seniors You’ll Want to Gift (11–20)
bamboo foot massager
Even while hospitalized, some people still want to stay active! For them, a highly recommended gift is a bamboo foot massager (aotake-fumi).
It’s especially great for those who enjoy foot reflexology.
You can even find this type of bamboo step massager at 100-yen shops, making it an easy health item to try.
It provides pleasant stimulation to the soles of your feet, improving circulation throughout your body.
It also helps flush out accumulated waste in the feet, offering excellent benefits for cold sensitivity.
Just five minutes a day can help you build a healthier body—another nice perk.
Plus, doing it while listening to music adds a refreshing effect and lifts your mood.
Photo Puzzle
How about a photo puzzle made from your favorite picture? A puzzle is something you complete by arranging many small pieces into a single image or photo.
It’s exciting to see what the finished puzzle will look like as you piece it together.
You also get a great sense of accomplishment when you take your time and finally complete it.
Character designs and scenic puzzles are fun, of course, but it’s easy to make an original puzzle using a memorable photo or any picture you like.
You can create one online or at photo shops, so try searching around for options.
Papercraft Hand Kit
Here’s an introduction to a papercraft band kit! The items featured here were purchased at a 100-yen shop, so one of the big appeals is how easy they are to get.
Everything else you need is likely already at home, so you can start right away.
The method is to combine bands cut to various lengths, fix them with glue, and shape the piece.
Using clothespins when securing parts makes it easy.
This video shows how to make a small basket, but it looks like you can try lots of different variations!
beanbags
Ohajudama (beanbags) are so nostalgic, aren’t they? They’re small and cute, yet such a rewarding game.
Since you use your fingertips, it helps stimulate the brain and boosts concentration, too.
It’s nice that you can take your time and practice at your own pace.
Playing together seems like a great way to share a fun time.
It’s lovely to chat while passing the beanbags back and forth.
Because it’s a game that’s been loved for generations, it might bring back lots of memories to talk about.
Spending time with smiles all around thanks to beanbag play—that would be wonderful.
training gear
For older adults, incorporating training gear as part of rehabilitation can be a great idea.
You might consider giving your loved one some training equipment as a gift.
Among these, an electric pedal exerciser is especially recommended.
By placing the feet on the pedals and letting them move, it helps strengthen the lower body without strain.
It can be used while seated, and even while lying down, so training can be adjusted to one’s physical and mental condition.
Other items like yoga mats and resistance bands are also popular as gentle, low-impact training tools.
If you’re gifting something to someone in the hospital, be sure to check the hospital’s rules!
Wool felt kit
This video introduces a needle-felting wool kit.
Since the kit was purchased at a 100-yen shop, be sure to look for it there.
To make it, roll the wool for each part into a coil and poke it with a needle.
The wool comes together more easily if you poke it from various angles.
Gradually adjust as you create the parts like the head and body.
Crafting while imagining the finished piece also helps train your imagination! Plus, it’s great finger exercise, making it perfect for older adults.
[Even During Hospitalization] Pastime Items for the Elderly That Make Great Gifts (21–30)
Portable Player & DVD
Many people feel depressed during a hospital stay if they don’t have any entertainment.
In times like that, a portable player and some DVDs make a great gift.
Giving DVDs of the patient’s favorite TV shows or movies will surely brighten their day.
Even if they can’t sit up, a portable player lets them watch while lying down, so it’s highly recommended.
Since hospitalization can make people feel negative both mentally and physically, choosing uplifting content will likely be appreciated even more.