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

Recreation that stimulates cognitive function using a ball

[Elderly Recreation] [Day Service Rec] A recreation that stimulates cognitive functions using only a ball

Recreation using balls is recommended for dementia prevention because it activates both mental and physical functions.

This time, we’re focusing on ball-based recreation that is particularly effective for dementia.

Participants sit in a circle and pass the ball to the person next to them, changing directions—clockwise or counterclockwise—and adjusting according to the ball’s size.

By doing this, older adults have to think as they play, which helps strengthen both mind and body.

Additionally, switching to the opposite direction provides beneficial stimulation to the brain.

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Nanaka

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Newspaper ball rolling relay

Two-person teamwork, everyone teamwork: 'Newspaper Ball Rolling Relay'

This is a recreation activity where you compete to see how fast you can roll a ball placed on a sheet of newspaper.

It’s suitable for small to large groups, so it’s also recommended for situations where you want to promote interaction among older adults.

Arrange chairs facing each other in alternating rows, and have two people hold the ends of a sheet of newspaper.

Roll the ball you’re given onto the next person’s newspaper, and if it makes it into the basket, that’s a goal.

You can enjoy variety by rolling different types of balls, such as a regular ball, beanbags, or a beach ball.

Give this event a try to experience the fun and sense of unity that comes from doing an activity together.

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mutō

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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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Rhythmic gymnastics at Blue Light Yokohama

Seated singing exercise: “Showa Kayō Blue Light Yokohama” – rhythm exercises for seniors and older adults #seniors #exercise

Released in 1968, “Blue Light Yokohama” is one of the signature songs of the Showa era.

Many older adults have likely sung it at karaoke or heard it on TV or the radio.

Let’s try some rhythmic exercises with this familiar tune.

Since the song portrays a couple in love, it could be fun to incorporate movements that match the lyrics.

Older adults might feel nostalgic, recalling the time when this song was popular as they exercise.

You could even sing along while doing the exercises.

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Nakajima Junko

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Shoo Away Game

Hands full—lol! ✋😂 So much fun and excitement! #dayserviceRecreation #elderly #rec #shorts #dementiaPrevention

Let’s play a fun game using balls made from crumpled paper.

It’s called the “Shoo-It-Away Game.” Crumple up sheets of paper or newspaper into balls and place them in a horizontal line in the center of the table.

Before you start, put a strip of tape across the middle of the table to mark the center line.

This tape divides the table into your side and your opponent’s side.

When the game begins, use your hands to push the paper balls into your opponent’s territory on the opposite side.

The rules are simple, but it sounds like it could get exciting.

If you make the paper balls pink, they’ll look like cherry blossoms—perfect for an April game.

It also encourages conversation among participants and can help promote communication among older adults.

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Nakajima Junko

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Strawberry Picking Game

2021.4.16. Strawberry Picking Recreation

The bright red fruit, strawberries, are one of the foods that evoke the feeling of spring, and strawberry picking is also an event that brings a sense of the season.

This game is inspired by the scene of strawberry picking, where players compete to collect as many strawberry mascots as possible within a time limit.

A string is stretched out in front of you, and clothespins attached to it hold strawberry motifs.

You remove them and place them into a basket.

It’s a game that values the pinching motion used to remove the strawberries from the clothespins, as well as the speed and concentration needed to aim for a higher count within the time limit.

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kappamaki

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Sheet Valley

Senior Recreation: [100-Yen Store Goods, Daiso] Lively and fun sheet volleyball for everyone! #RecreationForSeniors #Daiso #Fun

Let’s play Seat Volleyball using sunshades sold at 100-yen stores.

It’s a game that many older adults can enjoy.

Connect two sunshades to make a volleyball court.

Have seated older adults hold the two connected sunshades.

Roll a beach volleyball on top of the sunshades.

Before starting, use tape or similar to mark territories on the sunshades.

When the time limit is up, the side where the ball is located loses.

With gameplay similar to real volleyball, older adults are likely to enjoy it.

Since it can be played while seated, many older participants should be able to join.

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Nakajima Junko

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