[October Health Topic] Introducing Recreational Activities for Seniors!
In October, when the mild weather continues, many older adults may feel like getting more active.
So this time, we’re introducing recreational activities perfect for seniors in October.
We’ve gathered a wide range of ideas, from exercises you can do seated indoors to crafts that evoke the spirit of October.
In addition to helping prevent falls, exercise is said to stimulate the brain, promote activation, and may also help prevent dementia.
We hope these October health ideas bring smiles to older adults.
Move your body without overexertion, and use fine motor activities to support brain training.
- [For Senior Care Facilities] Fun! Recommended Events for October
- [November Health Topic] Indoor Recreation Ideas for Older Adults
- [May Health Topic] Introducing recreational activities for seniors!
- September Health Topic: Introducing Recreational Activities That Capture the Feeling of Autumn’s Arrival
- For Seniors: Simple and Fun! November Recreation Ideas
- [March Health Topic] Introducing Recreational Activities for Seniors!
- [For Seniors] Recreation Games Related to October Events
- [For Seniors] Fun Autumn Activities: Recreation Games
- For Seniors: Easy Crafts Recommended for October
- [For Seniors] Let’s have fun with October trivia and fun facts quizzes!
- [For Seniors] Introducing Recreational Activities Anyone Can Enjoy at Geriatric Health Facilities!
- [For Seniors] Leg and lower-back training: Fall prevention
- [For Seniors] Simple Tabletop Games: Fun and Engaging Recreational Activities
[October Health Topic] Introducing Recreational Activities for Older Adults! (1–10)
karaoke
October 17 is Karaoke Day! Many older adults probably love karaoke too, right? As we become adults, we don’t get as many chances to go to karaoke, but there are still plenty of people who simply love singing.
That’s why we recommend a “Karaoke Contest” in October! Home karaoke systems have become common recently, so it’s easy to host one.
Share a song that takes you back to your youth with everyone!
Halloween Quiz
Halloween, which takes place in October, is said to have originated in Ireland.
Today, it has become one of the well-known events in Japan as well.
In Japan, it is said that Halloween began in the 1970s when a famous variety store in Tokyo held a costume parade.
Some older adults may not be very familiar with Halloween.
In that case, how about livening things up with a Halloween quiz? While having fun with quizzes, you can deepen your knowledge of Halloween, and the act of thinking is said to stimulate the brain and may help prevent dementia.
Even for those who already know about Halloween, recalling what you know can serve as brain training.
Persimmon Ball Toss Game
While enjoying the autumn atmosphere and stimulating the brain, how about trying a recreational activity called the “Persimmon Toss Game”? Making the persimmons is simple: crumple up some newspaper into a ball, wrap it all around with orange vinyl tape, and draw a leaf with a permanent marker—that’s it.
The persimmons are light and soft, so even if they hit someone, it won’t hurt, and you can throw them while seated—so enjoy the “persimmon toss” to your heart’s content.
Prepare a net like the ones used for fishing, and compete to see how many persimmons you can get into it, just like a ball-toss game at a sports day—it’s sure to be a hit!
[October Health Topic] Introducing Recreational Activities for Older Adults! (11–20)
Fall prevention exercises
October 10 is Fall Prevention Day, established by the Japan Society for Fall Prevention.
When older adults fall, it can lead to fractures or head injuries, and sometimes even result in becoming bedridden.
As we age, declines in muscle strength and physical function are thought to be causes of falls.
So let’s try exercises you can do while sitting.
You’ll lift your legs and arms, but since the exercises are done in a chair, they’re easy to start.
Once you get used to them, it’s recommended to gradually increase the difficulty.
Finding them a bit challenging can help activate the brain, too.
That said, don’t overdo it—please proceed at a pace that’s comfortable for the older adult.
Stroll activity
When October comes, the heat eases and it becomes much more comfortable, doesn’t it? With October’s refreshing, pleasant weather, how about enjoying a walk as a recreational activity? Even on familiar routes, walking on a nice day feels good and can be fun.
For those who find walking difficult, consider going out in a wheelchair to get some fresh air and feel refreshed.
Walks are also great for a change of pace, so they’re recommended for anyone feeling stressed.
Breathe in the fresh air outside and take a deep, full breath.
Halloween pumpkin wreath
Why not make a wreath that will beautifully elevate your Halloween decor, no matter where you display it—by the front door, in the living room, or anywhere else? Create the wreath base from thick paperboard, use yarn to represent a spiderweb, and add decorations made with a craft punch.
This is especially recommended for seniors who enjoy detailed handiwork! You can combine punched parts to make three-dimensional flowers, or layer cut construction paper to create a 3D pumpkin.
Crafts that encourage focused work are also effective for finger rehabilitation and dementia prevention, so consider incorporating this activity in day service centers and similar settings.
Halloween Night Dance
At the Halloween Night Dance, let’s enjoy a groovy, seated dance! The choreography is simple and easy to remember: move both crossed hands in front of your chest, open and close your elbows to the sides, and raise and lower your clenched fists alternately.
For those who can move their legs, encourage them to try an open-and-close leg step as well.
Be sure to select songs perfect for October that fit the Halloween and autumn theme, and set a tempo that allows older adults to move comfortably while enjoying the dance.
