[For Seniors] Simple Recreational Activities You Can Enjoy While Seated
Even for older adults who find it difficult to move their bodies vigorously, they may find it easier to join in if the recreation can be enjoyed while seated.
In fact, there are plenty of games with simple rules that can really liven things up.
From activities using familiar materials to ones that include brain-training elements, we’ll introduce games that, with a bit of creativity, can bring smiles to everyone.
Using your hands and engaging your mind not only makes the activities fun, but also contributes to better health.
Doing them together with others fosters communication and can give life added meaning.
Please enjoy a fun time with easy, seated games.
- [For Seniors] Simple Tabletop Games: Fun and Engaging Recreational Activities
- [For Seniors] Fun Recreational Activities Without Equipment
- [For Seniors] Easy and fun seated activities you can do in your room
- [For Seniors] Enjoy safely even during the COVID-19 pandemic: Seated activities
- [For Seniors] Enjoy the Cold Winter! Seated Activities You Can Do
- [For Seniors] Enjoyable Indoor Activities! Recreations and Games That Engage the Mind and Body
- [For Seniors] Recreational Activities Enjoyable in Large Groups
- For seniors: Enjoyable exercises done while seated, accessible for wheelchair users.
- [For Seniors] Fun Small-Group Recreation
- [For Seniors] Exciting Team-Based Recreational Activities
- [For Seniors] Fun Winter Activities: Recreation and Games
- [For Seniors] Fun Even Without Sight! Recreation Ideas
- [For Seniors] Recommended Handmade Activities! Simple Ideas
Balloon, beanbag, and ball play (21–30)
Evolved balloon volleyball with two balloons
This is balloon volleyball played with two balloons tied together.
Seated older adults rally the balloons back and forth.
Because the balloons are connected, they may fly in unexpected directions, and players might end up using both hands.
Since there are two balloons, you may also need help from the person next to you.
Despite the image of two balloons floating lightly in the air, it can actually be a game that uses a lot of body movement.
Because it’s played while sitting, even those who have difficulty standing can participate—let’s get everyone moving plenty.
ball toss
Let’s try a seated version of tamaire, a classic sports day event, that won’t strain the body.
Sit in a circle and place a basket in the center; during the time limit, throw balls into the basket.
If a ball doesn’t go in, retrieving it might require some distance, so it’s recommended to have a helper assigned to bring the balls back to participants’ feet.
It’s a game that tests concentration as you aim to toss balls with both speed and control.
Balloon Shiritori Volleyball
Balloon Shiritori Volleyball also helps stimulate the brain.
Have the seniors sit on chairs in a circle and play shiritori.
When it’s their turn and they give a valid answer, they can pass the balloon to the next person.
However, if their word ends in “n” or they get stuck, have them rally the balloon a few times right then.
Once everyone gets used to the game, gradually increase the difficulty.
For example, set a required number of letters for the answers, or measure the rally by seconds instead of the number of hits.
Stomp-and-pop balloon launch
Let’s pop a balloon into the air with a boing! Here’s an idea for a foot-powered balloon-launch game—perfect if you’re looking for a unique activity that uses the feet.
You’ll need items like cardboard, a low platform, a board or mesh, a tray, balloons with weights attached, and a score chart drawn on poster paper.
While seated in a chair, place your feet on the board; using the lever principle, the balloon will launch with a fun “pop!” It’s an easy activity to try and also a good way to move the hip joints.
Give it a go and incorporate it into your sessions!
Balloon, Beanbag, and Ball Play (31–40)
Ankle and lower-limb strength training using beanbags
It’s a waste to only play with your hands! Here are ideas for ankle and lower-limb strength training using beanbags (otedama).
Otedama is one of those items that has long been loved in Japan.
Many of you may have learned various tricks by tossing and catching them with your hands.
This time, let’s try training with otedama.
What you’ll need are beanbags, paper cups, a bucket, and so on.
To start, it’s best to get used to it gradually by placing a beanbag on the top of your foot and moving your thigh up and down, or opening and closing your hip joints.
Beanbag Balance Game
We’re pleased to introduce “Beanbag Balance Challenge,” a balance-and-focus game for older adults that you can enjoy using everyday materials found at home.
Use packing tape and toilet paper rolls as pillars, and stack cardboard pieces of different sizes by level to build a tower.
The higher the level, the smaller the surface area—and the higher the points.
Participants remain seated and gently toss beanbags, competing to see which level they can land on.
You can freely adjust the difficulty simply by changing the number of beanbags or the throwing distance.
The thrill of aiming and landing a toss, mixed with the suspense of a potential collapse, makes for a recreation activity guaranteed to spark smiles and laughter.
Wheelchair users can enjoy soccer and hockey too
Soccer and hockey that wheelchair users can enjoy are great recreational activities everyone can do together.
Using a ball made from milk cartons, you kick it into a ring-shaped goal made from string.
Since people in wheelchairs can join in too, everyone can get excited together.
It helps strengthen lower-body muscles and builds teamwork.
It’s easy to make, so please give it a try.
Working together to aim for the goal is fun, isn’t it? I think it will create moments filled with smiles for older adults.