[March Health Topic] Introducing Recreational Activities for Seniors!

Rhythmic exercises to ‘Spring Has Come’

[Exercise for Seniors: Care-Giving Gymnastics] Singing Exercise Vol. 1 “Spring Has Come” [Seated Singing Exercise ♪ Perfect for exercises at day-service and other care facilities, and for at-home care prevention by Fukukuru]

These exercises are perfect for moving your body while feeling the arrival of spring.

The movements match the lyrics of the children’s song “Haru ga Kita” (“Spring Has Come”).

By imagining the lyrics and creating movements accordingly, you can stimulate the brain and help prevent dementia.

Many older adults have sung or heard “Haru ga Kita” at least once, right? Because it’s a familiar song, even seniors who tend to move less during the cold season may find it easier to give this a try.

The lively lyrics and cheerful melody may help older adults feel more energized and excited.

Through these exercises, you can sense the coming of spring and also relieve stress.

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Nakajima Junko

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Cherry blossom wall hanging

[Senior Recreation] Cherry Blossom Wall Decoration Using Origami [Easy Craft] Cherry blossom wall decoration

Let’s make a cherry blossom wall decoration that evokes the warmth of spring.

We’ll fold origami and use scissors to create cherry blossoms.

Make leaves out of origami as well, and once you attach everything to a backing sheet, you’ll have a lovely wall decoration.

Since it involves lots of finger movements, it can stimulate the brain and may help prevent cognitive decline.

Origami can be done while seated, so it’s a recommended activity for older adults who may have concerns about physical ability.

It’s also a piece that allows seniors who find it difficult to go out to feel the arrival of spring indoors through a cherry blossom wall decoration.

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Doing exercises to “Graduation Photo” while seated in a chair

[Chair Exercises] Move to 'Graduation Photo' & 'Galaxy Express 999'! / Nice Exercises with 2 Songs

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

[Seasonal Crafts] 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.

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Bouquet message card

Two types of bouquet message cards [How to make message cards]

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.

butterfly

[Craft Idea] Butterfly crafts (March/April spring) (origami) (senior recreation) (childcare/early learning) (wall decorations) (creative) (easy)

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.

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A word activity inspired by Ear Day

March 3 [Senior Brain Training] Ear Day: Senryu Quiz, Quiz, Tongue Twister Recreation, Language Recreation

Why not have fun moving your mouth with a word-based activity themed around Ear Day? Tongue twisters using ear-related words and mouth exercises set to rhythmic sounds can help improve oral functions.

Doing them with a smile naturally trains your facial muscles, too.

When older adults speak out together, it also energizes communication.

It’s a wonderful recreation that lets you maintain health while having fun through wordplay.

As spring arrives, how about exploring a new world of words?