[For Seniors] Recommended for older adults: enjoyable recreational activities

Brain training with gojūon (Japanese syllabary) cards

[Fun Recreation] Brain Training with Japanese Syllabary Cards! Directly from Kenichi Yamaguchi!

As we age, it seems we may sometimes forget words.

So let’s use a set of kana cards to stimulate the brain.

First, arrange the cards in order starting from the A-row together with the older adult.

The act of arranging itself is said to help activate the brain.

Use the cards to form words—the more letters a word has, the higher the points.

Additionally, once a card has been used to make a word, it cannot be used again.

Treat voiced and semi-voiced marks (dakuten and handakuten) as a single card and make them count for points as well.

If someone can’t think of a word, it’s helpful for those around to offer hints like, “Let’s think of a word that starts with A.”

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Nakajima Junko

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Shiritori Card Game

Shiritori Card Game

Haven’t many older adults played shiritori at least once? Here’s a familiar shiritori-style card game for seniors.

Prepare cards with each of the 50 Japanese syllables written on them, and deal five cards to each player.

Place the remaining cards in the center and draw one card to start.

Think of a word that begins with the syllable of the drawn card, so that the last letter of your chosen word matches one of the cards in your hand.

Adding a rule like “use three-letter words” makes it even more fun and can help stimulate the brain.

The first person to use up all their cards wins.

Let’s all enjoy thinking of words together while we play.

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Nakajima Junko

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Capsule Korokoro

This gets everyone super hyped ⬆️ The capsule rolls around~ 🤣 #seniorActivities #brainTraining #miniGame #shorts #dayService

You’ve probably seen capsule toy machines filled with toys and merchandise at arcades or supermarkets.

Let’s use those round capsules to play a lively game.

Attach a stick to an empty tissue box and use it to roll a capsule across a table.

The goal is to land the capsule in a target without letting it fall off the table.

To make the game even more fun, create gaps between the targets.

Placing the capsule without dropping it into the gaps is a great way for older adults to show their skill.

Cheering on the players and calling out to them can spark interaction with the people around them, too.

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Nakajima Junko

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Recreation involving hitting with balls and sticks

[🎉 200,000 Views, Thank You 😭] Funniest Laugh of the Year w — Ball-Slapping Recreation Activity [Preventive Care]

This is a recreational activity for large groups using balls, sticks, and buckets.

First, split into two teams.

Each person connects their bucket and stick with the person next to them, and the teams compete to see who can strike the ball faster.

The appeal of this game is that it trains quick reaction time.

Since you lift the items during play, it also helps build muscle strength.

It could also be fun to pass to the person in front and connect in a random order.

Depending on the participants’ age or abilities, you might adjust the speed of connecting.

Competing as teams encourages everyone to help one another and fosters cooperation.

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Nanaka

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Roll the ball game

Ball Rolling and Winding Contest #Recreation #DayService #Ball #Easy #Balm #Elderly #Laughter #Fun

The Roll-the-Ball Game is a simple, tabletop recreation you can enjoy easily.

You place a frame on the desk, put a ball inside it, and pull the ball using a string.

It’s played one-on-one, and because you can do it while seated, it’s easy on the body.

As you pull the ball, you wind the string around and around, which can help develop fine motor skills.

It’s also a bit thrilling, since you’re disqualified if the ball leaves the frame.

The key is to pull the ball without letting it slip out of the frame.

Thinking about how to pull the ball effectively can also help improve both mental and physical functions.

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Nanaka

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Newspaper-ball rolling relay

If you want a super exciting group game, this is it! Newspaper Ball Rolling Relay

This is a game where two people sit facing each other, hold a single sheet of newspaper together, and carry a ball on top of it.

The idea is to pass the ball to the next pair without dropping it, which makes not only the amount of force you use but also your cooperative attitude important.

The heavier the ball, the more firmly you need to support it with the newspaper, so try various adjustments such as changing the ball or the size of the newspaper.

If you split into teams and compete to see who can transport the ball faster, the game will heat up and you can also boost the sense of speed in movement.

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kappamaki

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Slow aerobics to the tune of “Alps Ichiman-jaku”

Let's try slow aerobics! ~Alps Ichiman-jaku, chair version~

As people age, many find it bothersome to move their bodies.

Let’s get moving with slow aerobics that can be done while seated in a chair.

As the name suggests, slow aerobics involves gently moving your body to music.

It’s said to help raise heart rate and encourage breathing even for older adults who don’t have many opportunities to exercise.

It’s recommended to do rhythmic exercises to familiar songs—like “Alps Ichiman-jaku”—that many seniors know well.

Moving to music can also help bring out a sense of fun in older adults.

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Nakajima Junko

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