September Health Topic: Introducing Recreational Activities That Capture the Feeling of Autumn’s Arrival
As September arrives, there may be regions where the heat gradually eases.
It also becomes a time when older adults find it easier to be active.
With that in mind, here are some recommended recreational activities for this season.
September offers many ways to feel the arrival of autumn, such as the moon-viewing festival (Otsukimi) and seasonal foods like pacific saury and chestnuts.
Try incorporating September-related events and seasonal flavors into exercises, games, and craft activities.
This will also help older adults experience the seasons through recreation.
We hope you enjoy a wonderful time with September’s recreational activities.
- [For Seniors] Fun Autumn Activities: Recreation Games
- [November Health Topic] Indoor Recreation Ideas for Older Adults
- [For Seniors] Let's have fun with an autumn-themed quiz!
- [For Senior Care Facilities] Fun! Recommended Events for October
- [October Health Topic] Introducing Recreational Activities for Seniors!
- [For Seniors] Enjoyable September Event Activities
- For Seniors: Easy and Delicious! November Snack Activity
- [For Seniors] Enjoy September’s Autumn Fun! A Collection of Craft, Game, and Exercise Ideas
- [For Seniors] Easy Snack Activity Perfect for September
- [For Seniors] Recommended! Seasonal Recreational Activities
- [For Seniors] Haiku for September: Introducing Verses Perfect for Autumn
- [May Health Topic] Introducing recreational activities for seniors!
- [For Seniors] Recreations to Experience in August
[September Health Topic] Introducing Recreational Activities That Let You Feel the Arrival of Autumn (1–10)
beanbag juggling/play; otedama (traditional Japanese beanbag game)
Otedama (beanbag juggling) is a perfect activity for training control of strength and finger-focused concentration.
With September 20 designated as Otedama Day, let’s enjoy moving our bodies with otedama while feeling the season.
The classic flow is to toss the beanbag upward in time with a song and pass it to the other hand, so choosing an autumn children’s song can really help convey the seasonal mood.
To make it easier to catch the rhythm of throwing, we recommend selecting a light, lively tempo.
Scarf Stretch: ‘I Found a Little Autumn’
This is an exercise where you hold the ends of a scarf with both hands as if stretching it, and move your body while maintaining that position.
Instead of just moving, doing it to the children’s song “Chiisai Aki Mitsuketa” helps you feel the rhythm of the movements and also trains the mouth at the same time.
While being mindful of the force used to stretch the scarf, have them fully extend both arms so that proper strength is applied to the arms and form—that’s the key point.
Finally, by adding a motion where you toss the scarf upward and catch it, you can also train quick reactions and concentration.
Highly recommended.
First Aid Day Exercises
September 9 is designated as Kuku Day (multiplication tables day) and Emergency Services Day in Japanese, based on wordplay with the date.
This is an exercise that makes full use of the words “kuku” and “kyu-kyu,” moving both the body and the mouth.
Use your fingers to show the number 9, and, together with the words “ku” or “kyū,” form this shape on both the left and right sides of your body to train your fingertips and articulation.
If you insert actions like clapping between the words, the rhythm becomes more complex, turning it into a brain exercise that has people think about the next movement.
In addition to moving the body, incorporating quizzes that use the multiplication tables can also boost interest in September 9, so it’s highly recommended.
[September Health Topic] Introducing recreational activities that let you feel the arrival of autumn (11–20)
Grape decoration making
When it comes to the flavors of autumn, grapes are a top pick, aren’t they? How about making delicious-looking grapes and muscat clusters using toilet paper rolls and tissue paper? They’ll instantly brighten up even a simple wall when used as decorations in senior care facilities! They’re also great as a day-service recreation activity.
Cut toilet paper rolls, wrap them with tissue paper to recreate the grape berries, and add a bit of roundness for a cute finish.
Once you’ve made a few, glue them together to complete the cluster.
Use brown tissue paper for the stem and green origami for the leaves to create realistic grapes.
The 3D look makes them stylish as a garland, too—just thread a string through!
Pacific saury exercise
A quick brain-training exercise you can enjoy even in short spare moments.
You can do it standing, but for older adults, exercises done while seated that engage the whole body are ideal.
Another key to making it fun is choosing moves that fit the season or event.
How about trying the “Pacific Saury Exercise,” inspired by sanma, a fish that represents the flavors of autumn? Spread your arms wide and sway them gently as if you were a fish swimming in the sea.
Next, mimic grilling that sanma over a charcoal brazier—fan it briskly with an uchiwa.
You might be surprised how much that fanning motion works your upper body!
Respect-for-the-Aged Day Quiz
The third Monday of September is Respect for the Aged Day, right? How about a quiz themed around Respect for the Aged Day? Turning things that older adults often heard or knew into quiz questions can make it easier for them to recall memories and the past.
A quiz related to Respect for the Aged Day should be easy to imagine since it’s a familiar tradition.
Looking back on the past stimulates the brain and can help prevent dementia or slow its progression.
It’s important that recreational activities are enjoyable for older adults.
Please try using a Respect for the Aged Day quiz in a fun and gentle way for older adults.
6 Trivia Quiz Topics About the Moon
Speaking of September, the Harvest Moon is famous, isn’t it? Because it’s a long-standing custom, some older adults may be familiar with it.
Many seniors probably have memories of moon-viewing from when they were young or with their families—children and grandchildren.
For moon-viewing themed activities at your facility, how about a moon trivia quiz? Through the quiz, participants can not only recall what they already know about the moon but also gain new knowledge, which can spark the desire to “tell someone about it” and help promote communication.