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[March Health Topic] Introducing Recreational Activities for Seniors!
March is the season when we start to feel the arrival of spring little by little.
Fresh greenery and flowers begin to bloom bit by bit, making us want to go outside.
However, older adults who spent the winter indoors may feel a lack of exercise, find themselves unable to do things they used to, or in the worst case, experience falls.
This time, we’ve put together caregiving recreation ideas themed around March!
With events like Hinamatsuri (Girls’ Day) and graduation ceremonies, it can be a time of many farewells.
There are also exercises inspired by songs related to graduation!
Even if you’re worried about going outside all of a sudden, everything here can be done indoors, so please enjoy and give them a try!
[March Health Topic] Introducing Recreational Activities for Seniors! (1–10)
Happy Hinamatsuri ExerciseNEW!
Let’s start some simple and fun exercises while singing the children’s song “Ureshii Hinamatsuri”! First, when the lyrics mention the bonbori lanterns, extend both hands forward and lift one foot at the same time.
Next, clap your hands and then touch your knees with those hands.
There’s also a motion like drumming a taiko.
The movements are generally slow, so spread your arms wide and step your feet forward firmly.
Every move can be done either standing or seated, so we hope many people will enjoy them for Hinamatsuri.
Ohinasama OkoshiNEW!
Let me introduce a fun game where you use 10 beanbags and throw them at arranged targets! Set up the targets in rows of four in front, then three, then two, and place Hina dolls at the two spots in the very back.
The front row is worth 10 points, the middle row 30 points, and hitting a Hina doll earns a high score of 50 points! It’s enjoyable even with gentle throws, so everyone can take part according to their own strength.
Compete for points individually, or play in teams and aim for the highest total score—either way, it’s sure to be exciting.
Enjoy a Hinamatsuri filled with everyone’s smiles!
Hinamatsuri Curling GameNEW!
This is a recreation activity where you can enjoy curling while creating a Hina Doll display.
Paste illustrations of Hina dolls onto paper cups, place a ping-pong ball inside, and use them as curling stones.
Draw lines on the table to form a tiered Hina platform, and decide in advance where each character—such as the Odairi-sama (Emperor), Ohina-sama (Empress), and the three court ladies—should be placed.
Take turns gently sliding the cups and try to stop them at the targeted spots.
Because you need to consider the force and direction, it helps with finger dexterity and concentration.
Cheering each other on, the sense of achievement when a beautiful Hina display is completed is exceptional!
Spring letteringNEW!
Wrap beanbags with flower tissue paper to make balls that look like hina-arare, and write one hiragana character on each.
Prepare a five-letter target word and a box that holds five letters.
Using chopsticks, pick up the balls and move them to another box to complete the word.
The time spent deciding which letters to choose is fun, and natural conversation flows—“Huh? Is that wrong?” “That’s a good one!” Unexpected words can appear and spark big laughs, creating a warm, relaxed atmosphere.
It engages both the mind and the fingertips, promoting brain activation and fine motor movement.
It’s a perfect Hinamatsuri game you can enjoy while playing.
Take photos with a Hina doll panelNEW!
Haven’t you ever wanted to become the Ohinasama (Empress doll) or Odairisama (Emperor doll) at least once? But actually preparing kimono and getting your hair done is a lot of work, isn’t it? So why not become the Ohinasama or Odairisama using one of those face-in-hole panels you often see at tourist spots? All you have to do is hold up the panel and put your face in, so anyone can enjoy it easily.
If everyone takes photos together while holding the panels, it will surely make for wonderful memories of Hinamatsuri.
Hinamatsuri Doll Carrying GameNEW!
Place the hina dolls and the imperial prince and princess made from cups on a base attached to a string.
Participants should pull the string with their feet to reel in the base.
Try not to knock over the dolls as much as possible.
You can decide the winner by how many cups remain standing, or assign points in advance and compete based on the points of the dolls that stay upright.
Since you have to use your feet firmly to pull it in, it’s also perfect for a lower-body workout!
Hinamatsuri Target GameNEW!
It’s a game where you throw balls at a target inspired by a tiered hina-dan display.
Hula hoops are used for the target’s frames, and they’re covered with tape that makes the balls stick.
On the tape are illustrations of the Ohinasama (Empress), Odairisama (Emperor), the three court ladies, and the five musicians, and it seems the score varies depending on where you hit.
As expected, the tape beneath the Empress and Emperor likely yields higher points…
It’s a game everyone can enjoy, letting you get moving while soaking up the Hinamatsuri spirit!