[May Health Topic] Introducing recreational activities for seniors!
May is a month full of seasonal events, such as Children’s Day and Mother’s Day.
The weather becomes milder and more comfortable, making it easier for older adults to stay active.
With that in mind, this time we’re introducing easy, enjoyable recreational activities for seniors.
By incorporating crafts and songs unique to May, you can create an atmosphere where participants feel the season while having fun.
Everything is simple to try, so please enjoy participating together with the older adults around you.
- [For Seniors] Enjoy May! Recommended Recreational Activities and Games
- [For Seniors] Recommended Events for May: A Roundup of Ideas That Get Everyone Engaged
- [For Seniors] Introducing May-themed Origami!
- [For Seniors] May-Themed Wall Decoration Ideas Full of Seasonal Flair
- [For Seniors] May Calendar Craft: Fun and Easy
- [Sports] Recreational games using a ball [Play]
- [For Seniors] Liven Up Cherry-Blossom Viewing! Fun Games and Recreational Activities
- For Seniors: Fun and Lively Exercise Recreation
- [For Seniors] Enjoy May: A Collection of Seasonal Craft and Wall Decoration Ideas
- For Seniors: Snacks to Make in May That Capture the Season
- [For Seniors] Enjoy at Day Service: A Roundup of May Craft Ideas
- With upbeat rhythm routines! Music therapy for seniors
- [For Seniors] Recommended Recreational Activities for Mother's Day
[May Health Topic] Introducing Recreational Activities for Seniors! (41–50)
Ball fishing game
Let me introduce a game that lets you practice fine motor skills while having fun.
It’s a game where you use a stick to pick up rubber balls.
The tip of the stick is fitted with the sticky side of tape, so the rubber balls attach to it.
It gets even more exciting as a two-player competitive game for older adults.
You’ll grip the stick and move your arms and hands a lot.
The person who picks up more balls than their opponent wins.
It can be played while seated, and with a bit of ingenuity, people who have difficulty moving their bodies freely can also participate.
Please use this as a reference and enjoy a fun time.
Caregiving Exercise: The Apple Song
May is the season when we feel warmth and a refreshing breeze, isn’t it? The pleasant weather may inspire some older adults to get moving.
So let’s do some seated exercises suitable for elder care.
We’ll move along to the lyrics of “Ringo no Uta,” the first big hit song after the war.
If it’s a familiar song for older adults, it should make it easier to engage in the exercises.
Be sure to enjoy exercising while singing together.
Some older adults may find themselves humming the nostalgic lyrics and recalling fond memories.
Brain-training Exercise Song: Chatsumi (Tea Picking)
The balmy month of May is a time when it’s easier for older adults to get moving.
This time, we’re introducing a brain-training exercise with singing that’s perfect for the season.
May is also the season of fresh green tea.
“Chatsumi” (Tea Picking) is a children’s song that symbolizes early summer in Japan, known for its bright, rhythmic melody.
It’s easy to learn, making it suitable for older adults to exercise to.
We’ve incorporated traditional Japanese tea-picking movements into the routine, so it’s easy to enjoy casually.
Singing together as a group also creates a sense of unity and makes for a delightful time.
Tea Jar Hand Play
May is the season when new tea tastes delicious.
“Tea Jar Hand Play” is a game that lets you fully savor that seasonal feeling! You can play it anywhere, so it’s fun even by yourself at home.
It’s also one of those easy games that work well as a group activity in senior care facilities.
No tools are needed, so it’s simple to try.
The Tea Jar song has the simple melody and rhythm unique to traditional children’s songs, making it pleasant to hear and familiar for older adults.
It’s also filled with elements of Japanese culture, evoking a sense of nostalgia.
Let’s all use our hands and enjoy it together!
Koinobori Rocket Challenge
Speaking of major events in May, Children’s Day comes to mind, doesn’t it? When you see carp streamers, doesn’t it remind you of your own childhood? The carp streamers swimming high in the sky look grand and carefree, don’t they? This time, I’d like to introduce a game that uses those carp streamers.
The Carp Streamer Rocket Challenge is a game where you launch a carp streamer rocket.
It’s very easy to make using just a paper cup and a plastic umbrella bag.
Creating hoops and launching the carp streamer rocket to score points sounds like it would be a lot of fun too.
Koinobori and kashiwa mochi
For many people, Children’s Day is synonymous with koinobori (carp streamers) and kashiwa mochi.
The oak leaves are considered auspicious because the old leaves don’t fall off until new buds appear.
That’s why kashiwa mochi is seen as a lucky sweet that expresses wishes for children’s healthy growth.
This time, we’ll introduce an easy koinobori kashiwa mochi you can make in the microwave.
Knead the dough, divide it into appropriate portions, and shape them.
If you add strawberries to the red bean paste, the sweetness gains a touch of tartness for a refreshing taste.
Finish by decorating them as carp streamers, and they’re ready to enjoy.
Poodle Arrangement
May has Mother’s Day.
Some older adults may have received carnations or given them as gifts.
Here is a craft using tissue paper with a carnation theme.
Fold the tissue paper in an accordion style, bundle it, and you’ll make a carnation.
You can also arrange the tissue paper carnation into the shape of a poodle.
It’s a cute project that older adults are likely to enjoy as they make it.
Working while seated in a chair, they may also find it sparks conversation and helps build connections with those around them.