[For Seniors] Exciting Team-Based Recreational Activities
In this article, we introduce super exciting team-based recreational activities for older adults!
They might bring back nostalgic memories of your school sports days.
As the games progress, things can really heat up and turn into a thrilling competition!
Some activities can be done while seated or started with simple tools, so feel free to use these as a reference.
Making it a team competition might also be a chance to get friendly with people you don’t usually talk to.
We hope everyone has a great time together!
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[For Seniors] Exciting Team Competition Recreations (1–10)
Swaying Ball Toss
This is a beanbag toss, but instead of simply throwing balls into a basket, it’s a wobbling beanbag toss where the basket sways and makes it harder.
Split into two teams.
After the first and second teams sit alternately, the first team throws beanbags toward the box.
The second team pulls the string attached to the box to sway it and prevent the beanbags from going in.
It’s a good idea for each team to come up with a strategy.
Since shaking the box also requires everyone to work together, communicating as a group makes it even more fun.
Who am I?
A game that tests your imagination: “Who am I?” The rules are simple—one person pretends to be something, and answers everyone’s questions with only yes or no.
For example, if the person is pretending to be a cat: Are you an animal? Yes.
Are you bigger than a human? No.
That’s how it goes.
It’s surprisingly hard to imagine the answer and come up with good questions, making it great brain training.
The questions others ask also serve as hints, so paying attention to people’s questions is important, too.
Balloon Parachute
This is a game called “Balloon Parachute,” where you throw parachutes made from balloons and compete for points.
Since a balloon by itself wobbles and moves unpredictably, tie a string to the opening of the balloon and attach a weight to the end of the string to make a parachute.
Prepare papers labeled with different point values and aim your balloon parachute at them.
You can also make a simple target on the floor using masking tape.
It takes a bit of technique to land it inside the target, so do your best and aim for a high score!
[For Seniors] Exciting Team-Based Recreational Activities (11–20)
Sending items with a uchiwa (hand fan)
You pass objects along using uchiwa fans.
Without using your hands, you relay the objects with only the fans, and the team that gets them into the basket at the goal the fastest wins.
You can do it while staying seated, so everyone can enjoy it.
Even though the fan is flat, it’s soft, so it flexes when you place an object on it—one of the tricky parts.
Also, round items like empty cans tend to roll, which makes it more difficult!
Balloon volleyball in two teams
Recreation activities held as team competitions tend to really engage older adults.
Try dividing into two teams for balloon volleyball.
It’s recommended to set up a net or something that can serve as a substitute in the center.
Have older adults participate while seated in chairs.
The excitement will likely build just like in real volleyball.
Older adults with volleyball experience may even become star players.
Since there was a time when volleyball was very popular, some participants might recall their memories from back then.
Ring Picking
This is a game called “Ring Pick-Up,” where you use a long stick to pick up paper rings.
Make lots of rings in various sizes—big and small—and place them randomly.
Hook a ring onto the tip of the stick and skillfully slide it onto the stick to collect it.
How many can you pick up within the time limit? If placing the rings on the floor makes it too difficult, you can try playing on a table instead.
Ball stacking game
It’s a game where you stack beanbags on a platform, like a cardboard box, placed in the center.
Each team uses beanbags in their own color, and the team with the most beanbags left on the platform at the end wins! While both teams throw and place their beanbags, it’s also OK to knock the other team’s beanbags off along the way.
Will a strategy of piling on as many as possible win, or will knocking off the opponent’s beanbags prevail? Which tactic will come out on top?