[For seniors] January health topics: A roundup of popular recreational activities from exercises and crafts to New Year’s games
January marks the start of a new year—a season when we all want to refresh both mind and body.
Traditional New Year’s games like hanetsuki (badminton-like paddle game), kendama (cup-and-ball), and snowball fights are actually packed with elements that promote health.
You can try your luck with an omikuji fortune slip, clear your head with a daruma-otoshi game, or get moving with sing-and-exercise routines.
This time, we’re sharing ideas that let you enjoy the festive New Year atmosphere while also stimulating the brain and encouraging physical activity.
Savor the New Year spirit and enjoy moments that leave you feeling energized in both mind and body!
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For Seniors: January Health Topics – A roundup of popular recreations from exercises and crafts to New Year’s games (41–50)
Mochi pounding
Let us introduce “mochi pounding,” an activity that’s fun both to make and to eat.
As a cherished Japanese tradition, mochi pounding is something many older adults can enjoy during the New Year.
Doing it with family members or other seniors also encourages lively communication.
Because it engages both arms and the core, mochi pounding is an excellent full-body exercise.
It also requires focus, since the person pounding and the person turning the mochi need to coordinate their timing.
Savor the season and support your health—give mochi pounding a try!
Karuta card game
When you think of New Year’s in Japan, many people probably think of karuta.
The “karuta-taking game” is a perfect recreation for the New Year.
Traditional karuta usually requires sitting formally on the floor, but some older adults cannot sit directly on the floor.
In this version, the cards are placed on the floor, and whoever places a beanbag on a card the fastest gets it.
This way, you can enjoy karuta while sitting in a chair.
Since you use your arm strength to place the beanbag on the cards, it could also be good exercise for older adults.
Making a kusudama (decorative paper ball)
It’s nice to decorate with a festive kusudama for New Year’s, isn’t it? They’re said to drive away evil spirits, ward off disease, and even extend one’s lifespan.
It’s a very auspicious decoration for older adults! This time, let’s make a luxurious kusudama by hand.
It’s easy to make with items like a strainer, tissue paper flowers, twine, and colored cellophane, so I recommend it.
First, make flowers with the tissue paper.
Just fold, fasten, and cut slits, and in no time you’ll have bright, beautiful flowers.
Put the mechanism inside the strainer, attach the flowers around the outside, and your kusudama is complete.
It’s perfect for a celebratory New Year.
Shimenawa wreath making
Let us introduce a New Year’s shimenawa wreath craft you can really feel the season with! It’s an easy wreath you can make using newspaper.
Roll up the newspaper to form a wreath shape, then wrap it with layers of origami paper or crepe paper.
Next, make the fan piece and attach it to finish.
Using tools and choosing paper colors helps promote hand exercise and cognitive training.
It brings a sense of the season, and completing your handmade shimenawa wreath will also give a sense of accomplishment.
For older adults who find it difficult to use scissors and other tools, prepare the pre-cut materials in advance.
Sugoroku game
Starting in the New Year, we’d like to introduce a “Sugoroku game” that seniors can enjoy! It’s a game where everyone designs the squares together and works on activities like exercises and arithmetic while aiming for the goal.
In winter, we tend to stay indoors as our bodies feel the cold, but because Sugoroku is played with multiple people, it can also foster sociability and cooperation.
Plus, by incorporating physical movements into the squares, you’ll warm up your body and improve muscle strength.
Many participants will surely look forward to prizes at the finish line, too.
Be sure to enjoy it together with seniors!