[For Seniors] Recreational Activities Enjoyable in Large Groups
We want to spend time filled with fun and smiles! With that in mind, we’re excited to introduce a variety of cleverly designed recreational activities.
From nostalgic games that get large groups buzzing to handmade games and snack-time activities, we’ve gathered options seniors can enjoy together.
These activities help build concentration while moving the body and spark lively conversation.
If everyone takes on the challenge together, you’re sure to make wonderful memories.
Be sure to incorporate them into your daily recreation!
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Team Recreation (1–10)
Drawing Telephone Game
There’s a game called “Chinese whispers” (or the telephone game) where a message is passed along, and adding drawing to that makes it the “drawing telephone game.” The first person knows the prompt, draws it, and shows it to the next person.
You’re not allowed to say anything out loud.
Each person who sees the drawing draws it again and shows it to the next person, and the last person answers what they think it is.
If it’s a single object, it might be easy, but when it involves an action—like “a △△ that is doing ◯◯”—it gets a bit more difficult!
Ring Relay
In March there are some days when you can feel the warmth, but there are also days with sharp temperature swings.
At times like that, let’s liven things up indoors with a “ring relay.” To prepare, use paper or toilet paper rolls to make rings in large, medium, and small sizes, and pass them to the next person by threading them onto chopsticks.
It works well as a small-group game, and it’s also fun as a team competition for larger groups.
Through the relay, you’ll naturally interact with those around you and help promote communication.
Since you can do it while seated, it should be easy for older adults to join in too.
Enjoy your time!
Over the Mountain
“Over the Mountain” is a recreational game made from cardboard and paper.
Place a mountain made of cardboard in the center, and use a stick to send paper tubes over to the opponent’s side.
Playing this game naturally encourages a forward-leaning posture, and because you move your arms up and down, it can help strengthen the back and arm muscles.
Above all, the game is fun, so it should be easy to keep doing it.
stereo game
“Stereo Game” is a game that large groups can enjoy.
You prepare a two-character word on paper as the prompt and assign one character to each of two groups.
On a “Ready, go!” cue, both teams shout their character at the same time, and the guesser tries to identify the word.
Surprisingly, it’s hard to catch on the first try, so puzzling over “What could it be?” gives your brain a good workout.
Planet Ball
Planet Ball is a game where you punch variously sized round holes into a large piece of cardboard, then the team holds the cardboard together and tilts it to guide balls into the holes to score points.
Because everyone moves a single piece of cardboard to steer the balls, teamwork is crucial.
It also uses muscle strength and communication, making it a recreational activity we hope you’ll dive into with lots of lively fun.
Sheet Valley
Let’s play Seat Volleyball using sunshades sold at 100-yen stores.
It’s a game that many older adults can enjoy.
Connect two sunshades to make a volleyball court.
Have seated older adults hold the two connected sunshades.
Roll a beach volleyball on top of the sunshades.
Before starting, use tape or similar to mark territories on the sunshades.
When the time limit is up, the side where the ball is located loses.
With gameplay similar to real volleyball, older adults are likely to enjoy it.
Since it can be played while seated, many older participants should be able to join.
Rock-Paper-Scissors Ball Passing Game
Here’s a team-vs-team, high-energy Rock-Paper-Scissors Ball Relay game.
First, divide into teams.
Arrange chairs in a single row for each team, facing each other, and have everyone sit.
Next, the two players at the front each hold a ball and play rock-paper-scissors.
The winner passes their ball to the next teammate, and this repeats down the line.
The team that gets their ball back to the front first wins.
It’s exciting because you can clearly see which side is in the lead, and it’s great for engaging both the mind and body at the same time.
