[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!
- [For Seniors] January Activities and Recreation Games
- [For Seniors] Lively! Entertainment Ideas for New Year’s Parties
- Recreation Activities to Liven Up January Events for Seniors
- [For Seniors] January Craft Ideas: Boost Your Luck with New Year Decorations and Good-Luck Charms
- [For Seniors] January Trivia Quiz & Fun Facts. Brain training with quizzes about New Year and winter.
- Performances to Liven Up New Year Parties for Elderly Care Facility Staff
- For Seniors: Fun and Engaging December Event and Recreation Ideas
- [For Seniors] Simple Recreational Activities You Can Enjoy While Seated
- [For Seniors] Enjoy the Cold Winter! Seated Activities You Can Do
- [For Seniors] Fun Winter Activities: Recreation and Games
- Entertainment ideas for year-end parties that seniors will enjoy
- [For Seniors] January Craft Ideas for Day Service Activities
- [For Seniors] Recommended in December! Safe and Fun Indoor Recreation
[For Seniors] January Health Topics: A roundup of popular recreations from exercises and crafts to New Year’s games (51–60)
Winter Delicacies Quiz
It’s a great idea to hold a “Winter Flavors Quiz” at New Year’s, using ingredients that are special to the season! Show illustrations of winter foods like daikon radish, fugu (pufferfish), and kumquats, and have participants guess their names.
It can also be used as brain training by having people identify the ingredients from the pictures.
Some may find items they’ve eaten before without realizing they’re winter foods.
Adding a time limit could make the game even more exciting.
Be sure to try it as a recreational activity.
Bozu Mekuri
Bouzu-mekuri is a game that can liven up indoor gatherings during the winter.
It’s easy to play and familiar, making it a great pastime for older adults as well.
Using the picture cards from the Ogura Hyakunin Isshu, this game helps train concentration and memory while everyone has fun together, which can support the maintenance of cognitive function.
While taking care to prevent infections, this delightful activity offers a chance to deepen social connections and brings warmth and smiles even in the chilly season just after the New Year.
Bouzu-mekuri, where everyone can laugh together, is a recommended recreation for enhancing communication with older adults.
Good Luck Fortune Slip
It’s said to be good luck to draw an omikuji (fortune slip) at New Year’s to test your luck for the coming year.
While it’s best to draw one during the first shrine visit of the year, many older adults may find it difficult to go.
In such cases, we recommend a “good-luck omikuji” activity that can be easily done in senior care facilities.
It’s simple to do indoors, so it’s reassuring.
Having seniors draw omikuji one by one is exciting because it reveals their fortunes for the year.
Light exercises are also incorporated, which may contribute to both mental and physical well-being.
In conclusion
We introduced many health activities that seniors can enjoy, such as exercises themed around New Year’s traditions and cold prevention, as well as quizzes and games.
Because it’s a season when the cold tends to reduce opportunities for physical activity, we hope everyone can stay lively in both body and mind with seated exercises and brain-challenging recreation.
May the start of the new year be filled with smiles for all.