[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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Ball/Tamaire Game (11–20)
Have fun catching the ball with your body
A recommended recreation activity for seniors using a rubber ball.
Rubber balls don’t slip easily, so they’re easier to catch.
This time, work in pairs and toss the ball back and forth, catching it by clamping it between your hands.
It seems like it will train your reaction speed more than catching with your palms.
Switching to one-handed catches or knee catches also adds excitement, so they’re recommended.
Receiving the ball in various ways can help stimulate both mind and body.
A key point is not to overinflate the ball so it’s easier to grip.
Backward ball toss into a basket
In a traditional ball-toss game (tamaire), you aim at a basket and throw balls into it, but this version is played facing backward and you toss by feel.
Sit on a chair holding a ball, then toss it toward a basket placed behind you.
Set up different types of baskets—varying in size and height—and assign different point values to each.
Beanbags might actually be easier to throw than balls.
Ball and Beanbag Toss Games (21–30)
ball toss
Let’s try a seated version of tamaire, a classic sports day event, that won’t strain the body.
Sit in a circle and place a basket in the center; during the time limit, throw balls into the basket.
If a ball doesn’t go in, retrieving it might require some distance, so it’s recommended to have a helper assigned to bring the balls back to participants’ feet.
It’s a game that tests concentration as you aim to toss balls with both speed and control.
Recreational Activities Using Paper Plates, Paper Cups, and Newspapers (1–10)
Boom with a rolled-up newspaper!
A game you can play with nothing but newspaper—sporty and great for stress relief—is “Crumple the Newspaper and Boom!” Players compete to see how many crumpled balls of torn newspaper they can toss into a newspaper box within a set time.
It’s a game that exercises the fingers through tearing and crumpling, has easy-to-understand win/loss results, and offers a wild, fun recreation experience.
String-pulling game
This pull-the-string game helps train your reflexes.
Attach paper cups to the ends of several strings, and have older participants hold the ends of strings that don’t have cups attached.
Gather all the paper-cup ends together in one spot.
A large basket is placed over the paper cups to prevent them from being pulled in, so the rule is to pull your string and rescue the paper cup before the basket comes down.
Play music during the game, and when the music stops, staff quickly drop the basket over the paper cups.
It’s a fun game that lets you enjoy a thrilling, heart-pounding experience while staying seated.
Table curling
This is “table curling,” an easy game you can make with paper cups and stationery.
In this game, you attach a weight to a paper cup and slide it to mimic curling.
You use fine motor control to slide it into scoring zones or bump into your opponent’s cup, so it naturally engages both mind and body.
It’s also great for team play, as it sparks active communication!
Paper Cup Relay
A paper cup relay where you keep passing a paper cup to the next person.
Instead of running, you stay seated while relaying, so it’s safe for older adults as well.
All you need are paper cups and sticks made by rolling newspaper into long, thin tubes.
Place a paper cup over the newspaper stick; the next person scoops up that cup, receives it, and places it over their stick—and you repeat this to continue the relay.
Make it a team competition and see which team can reach the finish line the fastest! If you add a bit of decoration to the newspaper sticks and paper cups, they’ll be fun to look at, too.