[For Seniors] Brain-training puzzle game you can enjoy solo! Perfect pastime for killing time

Chopstick time

Introduction video for Hashi Time

Hashi Time has been attracting attention for its reported benefits for brain training and finger dexterity.

It’s a game that looks like a bento box.

Inside are small peanut-themed toys that you pick up and remove using chopsticks.

Many people use chopsticks in everyday life, but you’ll likely find this surprisingly difficult when you try it.

The game can also be played competitively by showing off chopstick techniques known as “hashi-waza.” That makes it fun to enjoy with friends and family when they come over.

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yamamoto

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Brain training with Rock-Paper-Scissors on Mito Komon

[Dementia Prevention • Hand Exercises] Brain Training with Rock-Paper-Scissors to the Tune of Mito Kōmon!

Many older adults have probably watched the drama Mito Kōmon at least once, don’t you think? It’s about Mito Kōmon traveling around Japan, and the show’s theme song is famous too.

Using the theme song “Aa Jinsei ni Namida Ari,” let’s do a finger-play activity with the rock-paper-scissors motions.

Clap your hands, make a fist (rock) with one hand and pull it toward yourself, while making a hand (paper) with the other and extend it forward.

Another pattern is: clap your hands, make a fist (rock) with one hand and extend it forward, then use scissors to pull it back.

It might be easier for older adults to participate if it’s a song they already know.

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Nakajima Junko

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Nansupi

[NANSPI/NUMBER SPEED] A simple tap for brain training! A brain-training toy that lets people of all ages strengthen their minds while having fun! [Winner of the Excellence Award in the Games & Puzzles category at the 2024 Japan Toy Awards]

Introducing “NANSPI / NUMBER SPEED,” a game that trains the brain for both kids and adults simply by pressing buttons and having fun.

There are three ways to play: a time-attack mode where you press buttons in order from the smallest number to the largest and compete for speed; a memory mode where you remember and reproduce the order and position of flashing lights; and another memory mode where you recreate the positions of shapes represented by toppled buttons.

You’ll feel a real sense of accomplishment when you press all the buttons without any mistakes.

Give it a try!

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kojifumi

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Shape matching

[Training goods you can make from unwanted items and 100-yen shop materials] Shape matching with a clear file

Let me introduce “Shape Matching,” an activity that trains the brain while moving your fingers.

You draw simple shapes on transparent sheets and layer them to recreate a reference figure.

You can adjust the difficulty to suit the person playing—for example, by making the same shapes in different sizes, or by combining not just two shapes but three or four.

Completing the specified figure gives a sense of accomplishment, and it also sounds fun to set a time limit or compete with others to see who can finish the fastest.

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sasashina

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one hundred twenty-three to the fourth to the second to the fifth

Brain Training Exercises with Songs: Senior Recreation – 1-2-3, 4, 2, 5 – Easy Exercises

They say the hands are a second brain, and moving your hands and fingers a lot is said to increase blood flow to the brain.

Because of that, it’s expected to help prevent dementia as well.

So, while saying the numbers from 1 to 5, let’s hold up the same number of fingers.

Count along to a melody as you do it.

It seems the lyrics vary by region and locality, so this counting song could also be a good conversation starter with older adults who know the lyrics.

It’s a finger-play activity that can help spark conversation.

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Nakajima Junko

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Chopstick Ball-Carrying Game

[100-yen Brain Training] ADL training for eating: “Using chopsticks” movements

Here’s an introduction to a fingertip game where you use chopsticks to pick up and carry small items.

Games that involve fine finger movements can help stimulate the brain.

They’re also useful for training movements needed in daily life.

What you’ll need is an ice tray for making ice—one that makes small cubes is recommended.

Prepare some craft pom-poms (also called “pompoms”) and a pair of disposable wooden chopsticks.

You can get everything you need at a 100-yen shop, so preparation is easy.

Starting from one end of the ice tray, use the chopsticks to pick up the pom-poms and place them into the compartments.

This action helps train eating-related movements.

Since it’s a seated game, it’s likely to be easy for older adults to try.

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Nakajima Junko

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Brain-training finger play

[Test Your Frontal Lobe] Brain Training for the Frontal Lobe That Seems Easy but Is Difficult

Here’s a no-prep recreation activity: a finger-play brain exercise.

It’s simple to do! First, hold your hands up with your palms facing you and make fists.

Open only the thumb on your right hand and only the pinky on your left hand.

Next, switch: open the pinky on your right hand and the thumb on your left hand.

Keep repeating this.

It sounds easy, but it’s surprisingly hard.

Try doing it to a rhythm—one, two, one, two—and you might find yourself laughing at how tricky it is.

But don’t worry.

The goal isn’t to do it perfectly; performing two different movements at the same time stimulates your brain, so just trying it provides a brain-training effect.

With practice, you’ll get the hang of it and feel a sense of achievement.

Give it a try!

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kojifumi

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