[For Seniors] Recommended for older adults: enjoyable recreational activities
In this article, we introduce enjoyable recreation activities recommended for seniors.
You may want to freely enjoy using both body and mind.
Even so, many people end up thinking it’s impossible and give up.
Even for recreational activities that you might picture doing outdoors, with a bit of tweaking you can do them indoors.
We’ve also gathered activities that stimulate the brain and ones everyone can enjoy together.
Have fun while supporting functional recovery—use this as a reference!
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- [For Seniors] A Fun Sports Day! Recreational Activities You Can Do Safely
- [For Seniors] Introducing Recreational Activities Anyone Can Enjoy at Geriatric Health Facilities!
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- [For Seniors] Simple Recreational Activities You Can Enjoy While Seated
- [For Seniors] Enjoyable Indoor Activities! Recreations and Games That Engage the Mind and Body
- [For Seniors] Fun Small-Group Recreation
- Recreation Activities Effective for Long-Term Care Prevention for Seniors
- [For Seniors] Easy to try. Fun, crowd-pleasing recreation
- [For Seniors] Recreational Activities Enjoyable in Large Groups
- Hand games that liven things up for seniors—also great brain training
[For Seniors] Recommended for older adults. Enjoyable recreation activities (1–10)
rod soccer
Unlike regular soccer, “stick soccer” is played by moving the ball with sticks.
Because you can play while seated, the rules are designed so that even older adults who find standing or running difficult can enjoy it.
As shown in the video, arranging two rows of chairs facing each other lets you play without moving around.
It also exercises the upper body, so you can enjoy rehabilitation and training at the same time.
Balloon Tennis
This is a recreational activity called “Balloon Tennis” that even seniors who find standing or walking difficult can enjoy.
Instead of a ball and racket, we use a balloon and a paper fan, playing in a tennis-like way.
Because the balloon floats down slowly, it’s easier for older adults to hit it back.
You can play while seated, so it can be enjoyed according to each person’s physical and mental condition.
Splitting into teams for a match also makes it more exciting.
balloon volleyball
Even if you want to play volleyball, a regular volleyball is heavy and drops quickly, which makes it difficult for older adults.
In that case, try playing volleyball with a balloon.
As you can see in the video, a balloon floats down gently, making it easier to tell where it will land, so older adults should be able to enjoy it plenty.
You could also split into teams and compete to see who can keep a rally going the longest.
[For Seniors] Recommended for older adults. Enjoyable recreations (11–20)
Singing and Dance
Recreation that uses music, such as singing and dancing, is a classic and really gets people excited.
Dancing in particular also counts as exercise, making it perfect for maintaining health and preventing falls.
If you choose music from the era that suits older adults, it can bring back memories and encourage communication.
For those who have difficulty moving their lower body, choreography that can be done using only the upper body is also recommended.
Let me out.
If you’re looking for a recreation activity that seniors can easily enjoy, this one is recommended.
First, use tape to mark off a boundary on the floor and place a balloon inside it.
Then sit a short distance away and toss a beanbag or similar item at the balloon.
If you knock the balloon out of the marked area, you score a point.
It’s simple but fun—give it a try.
Games played with ohajiki (small glass/disc pieces)
Many seniors played Ohajiki (Japanese marbles) when they were children, so it’s a staple for recreational activities.
Playing it the usual way is fine, but with a few simple twists like in this video, it can be even more exciting.
You could make a soccer-like court out of cardboard or set it up like a tabletop baseball game—there are lots of possible variations.
straw blowgun
As we get older, things like a decline in swallowing function and reduced lung capacity can occur.
“Straw blow darts” are simple blow darts made from a straw and a magnet, and they may help with rehabilitation of the muscles around the mouth and increasing lung capacity.
Attach a small magnet to the tip of a thin straw with tape, insert it into a thicker straw, and blow to launch it like a blow dart.