[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!
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- [For Seniors] Crafts to Make in March! Recommended Project Ideas
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- [For Seniors] Spring Haiku. Spring Activity
- [For Seniors] Introducing Whiteboard Activities That Liven Up Spring!
- For Seniors: Games and Recreational Activities to Enjoy in April
- [For Seniors] Making a March Calendar: Introducing Spring-Themed Motifs and Arrangements
- [For Seniors] Spring Songs You'll Want to Hum: Feel the Season with Nostalgic Classics
- [Elderly] Feel the Arrival of Spring with Snack Activities! Recommended Menus for March
- [For Seniors] Enjoy a Warm Spring! April Health Topics Roundup
[March Health Topic] Introducing Recreational Activities for Seniors! (1–10)
Doing exercises to “Graduation Photo” while seated in a chair
How about doing some seated exercises to the rhythm of Yumi Arai’s “Sotsugyo Shashin”? It’s perfect for March, when you can feel the arrival of spring.
Moving your arms widely and rolling your shoulders in time with the lyrics makes for a pleasant workout.
Exercising with music makes it more fun to move your body.
Since you stay seated, there’s no worry about falling.
It’s also nice that you can do it indoors on cold days.
Gentle movements help you relax, too.
If everyone sings along while exercising, it’ll be an even more enjoyable time.
Let’s have fun together!
Hina dolls made with paper cups
Speaking of March, it’s Hinamatsuri (Girls’ Day), isn’t it? Here’s a craft idea for “paper-cup hina dolls” to display for the festival.
We’ll make the Emperor and Empress by attaching construction paper or origami paper to paper cups.
The steps aren’t very complicated, so it should be easy for older adults to try as well.
Since you draw the faces yourself, you can enjoy creating a variety of expressions.
Of course, staff can draw them too.
The finished pieces can be displayed on a table or taken home to decorate a room.
They may even bring back memories of past Hinamatsuri celebrations.
It’s a project that could spark lots of conversation.
Bouquet message card
A message card on a bouquet is a lovely way to share the joy of graduation.
Make a message card from construction paper and write your heartfelt words to your grandchild.
A bouquet made from origami is colorful and beautiful.
It’s also fun to reminisce about memories with your grandchild while you work.
Using your hands provides good stimulation for the brain.
A handmade gift that conveys warmth will surely remain in your grandchild’s heart.
You can express the happiness of graduation and blessings for the future with plenty of love.
It’s a wonderful activity that seniors can enjoy together, too.
[March Health Topic] Introducing Recreational Activities for Seniors! (11–20)
butterfly
This piece expresses the delicate wings of a butterfly by layering origami.
It’s made by cutting three sizes of wing pieces—large, medium, and small.
Start with the large wings on the bottom, then layer on the medium and small wings along with the body.
Adding creases to the wings gives the butterfly a three-dimensional look.
It’s a versatile craft: display it on walls, or use it as parts for wreaths or hanging decorations.
Creating or viewing these butterfly pieces can help you feel the seasons.
Origami also encourages conversation during the making process, which helps promote communication.
Please feel free to make use of it.
Happy Hinamatsuri Exercise
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 Okoshi
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 Game
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!