![[October Health Topic] Introducing Recreational Activities for Seniors!](https://i.ytimg.com/vi_webp/-EAO18nQnRs/maxresdefault.webp)
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)
Newspaper Tug-of-War
October is often the time when schools and local communities hold sports festivals.
So why not add some sports day events to your October health recreation activities? When we think of sports day events, things like ball toss and relays come to mind, but here’s the key: make the events easy for older adults to join by adding thoughtful modifications.
For example, in a typical tug-of-war, participants might sit, then half-stand, and brace themselves while pulling the rope.
Instead, try adapting it so it can be done while seated in chairs, or replace the rope with a newspaper “rope” that participants pull with their feet—arrangements that make it easier for older adults to take part.
Encourage gentle movement within comfortable limits so it’s not too strenuous for them.
Sweet potato snack activity
Autumn is the season when sweet potatoes are especially delicious—and did you know October 13 is Sweet Potato Day? Let’s enjoy a snack activity using sweet potatoes, which are in season and come in many varieties.
One of the great things about sweet potatoes is that you can enjoy them in many treats like pudding, oyaki, and sweet potato yokan.
Imo-mochi is simple and easy to eat, making it perfect for a snack activity.
Mash steamed sweet potatoes and have everyone roll them into balls—it’s a fun task to do together.
If you use an electric griddle, you can cook a lot at once and enjoy grilling them with everyone.
Health Quiz
October 8 is Bone and Joint Day! How about holding a “Health Quiz” as an October recreation activity? I’m sure each of you has your own approach to staying healthy.
But is it really good for your health? If you’ve learned incorrect health practices, they can be harmful to your body.
Take this opportunity to learn the right ways to stay healthy!
Finger exercises with “Donguri Korokoro”
Let’s try a simple finger exercise you can do while seated—anytime, anywhere! Move your fingers rhythmically to the children’s song “Donguri Korokoro.” Start with your hand open, then fold one finger at a time in time with the song, ending with a fist, and open back to a spread hand—repeat this sequence.
It may seem too easy, but moving your fingers helps activate the brain, serves as training, and can help prevent forgetfulness.
And doing two things at once—moving your fingers while singing—not only exercises your fingers but also trains your brain.
Song and Exercises: “Autumn Leaves”
How about using the children’s song and exercise “Momiji (Autumn Leaves),” a well-known nursery/folk song that evokes autumn, for recreational activities for seniors? Start the exercise by opening your palms wide like maple leaves.
With the song, perform simple movements such as raising and lowering the hands, rotating the shoulder blades, and swinging both arms.
“Momiji” features a beautiful, slow tempo, making it familiar and comfortable for older adults to move along to.
Even just singing helps stimulate the brain, so it’s recommended for senior care prevention and sing-along activities.
Give it a try as a reference!
Chestnut Picking Game
For anyone who’s gone chestnut gathering, how about a nostalgic, autumn-themed recreation? First, prepare plenty of plastic bottle caps with pictures of chestnuts and acorns attached.
Using small tongs and baskets you can buy at a dollar store, compete to see how many chestnuts you can collect within a time limit.
Overcome obstacles like some caps being face down or confusing acorns mixed in, and try to gather as many chestnuts as you can.
You can enjoy it in different formats, such as competing by table or against the person sitting across from you.
Maple leaf wall hanging
Speaking of autumn, maple leaves are beautiful and are a symbol of the season.
How about making a wall decoration that evokes an autumn night with the moon and maple leaves? Paste chiyogami or origami paper onto thick cardstock, then add a circle of origami paper to represent the moon.
Fold a rabbit and paste it onto the moon, and decorate the surroundings with lots of maple leaves.
If you fold the maple leaves in various colors, it will look colorful and lovely.
You can get everything at a 100-yen shop, so why not give it a try?