[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!
- [For Seniors] Fun Recreational Activities Without Equipment
- [For Seniors] Fun Autumn Activities: Recreation Games
- [For Seniors] Enjoy safely even during the COVID-19 pandemic: Seated activities
- [For Seniors] A Fun Sports Day! Recreational Activities You Can Do Safely
- [For Seniors] Introducing Recreational Activities Anyone Can Enjoy at Geriatric Health Facilities!
- [For Seniors] Today’s Recommended Activity: Fun and Engaging
- [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 elderly people: Enjoyable recreational activities (51–60)
Go for it! Gateball Sakura Team
This work portrays the struggles of elderly individuals trying to reclaim the sparkle of their youth through gateball.
It follows former rugby club teammates as they strive to achieve results in a gateball tournament, and their willingness to take on something new is sure to inspire viewers.
The performances by Tatsuya Fuji and the rest of the cast are striking—blending comedic touches with a strong sense of determination.
It conveys messages that the bonds of friendship are eternal and that it’s never too late to take on a challenge.
Orchestra Oldies!
The film “Golden Orchestra!” was released in 2016.
Set around an amateur orchestra made up entirely of senior citizens, it portrays people finding purpose in life through music.
The story begins when the protagonist, played by Anne (An), mistakenly joins the orchestra, and her initial confusion sets things in motion.
As she is tossed around by the quirky members yet gradually deepens their bonds, the fulfillment of people dedicating themselves to what they love is uplifting for viewers as well.
It’s a work that conveys a powerful message: no matter how old you are, you can always take on something new.
How to Choose a Happy Ending
While dealing with weighty themes such as end-of-life care and death with dignity, the film The Farewell Party is filled with humor and warmth.
An invention-loving elderly man creates a device for a friend, which leads to unforeseen consequences and develops into a story where he begins to contemplate his own ending.
Although the subject—the way each person’s life ends—is heavy, the humorous touch conveys a sense of hope about living life happily.
It’s a work that offers a chance to spend the final chapter of life with joy, even when one might otherwise view it pessimistically.
Ninety Years Old. What’s There to Celebrate?
This film is based on an essay by Aiko Sato and depicts worries and frustrations unique to the elderly, all with a touch of humor.
A key point is that Mitsuko Kusabue, who was 90 at the time, played the lead role; her age adds further credibility to the character’s lines.
While it takes aging—something everyone experiences—as its theme, the comedic approach seems to offer hints for living life positively.
The way the protagonist bluntly speaks her mind may also be an important element that heightens the excitement of the story.
[For Seniors] Recommended for the elderly. Enjoyable recreational activities (61–70)
How to Find the Best Way to Live Your Life
The film “The Bucket List” was remade in Japan in 2019 based on the original released in the U.S.
in 2007.
It tells the story of a housewife and a female CEO who have been given limited time to live and decide to carry out a young girl’s “bucket list” while they are hospitalized in the same hospital.
Through this journey, they look back on their past and reexamine their future.
Through the radiant performances of Sayuri Yoshinaga and Yuki Amami as they face their remaining time, the film conveys that it’s never too late to take on something new.
The deep sense of empathy that comes from depicting the story against Japanese landscapes—and the way it prompts viewers to reflect on their own lives—are major parts of its appeal.
I have no money saved for retirement!
In a world where it’s said you need 20 million yen for retirement, worrying about that money is a concern shared by many people.
Centered on the modern anxieties surrounding retirement funds, the film “No Money for Retirement!” portrays a life full of ups and downs.
Starring Yuki Amami, it leaves a strong impression with her attempts to live brightly despite financial struggles—many viewers may find themselves relating to her earnest efforts to face these worries.
The film gently, and with a touch of humor, addresses a common concern: can you still enjoy life even without much money?
Samurai Hustle
When you think of sankin-kotai in the Edo period, you probably picture a slow, long-distance journey on foot.
Samurai Hustle flips that image on its head by portraying sankin-kotai with a deliberately high-speed, opposite approach in a period comedy.
It humorously highlights how a small, impoverished domain uses wit and ingenuity to tackle the shogunate’s unreasonable demands.
Through the lord played by Kuranosuke Sasaki and his colorful retainers, you feel both laughter and a strong sense of camaraderie.
It’s a work that seems to convey the message that if you don’t give up, a path will open.