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[For Seniors] Find daily brain training. Today’s recommended brain workout.
Some older adults may be taking on brain-training exercises every day, right?
But doing the same brain training daily can be boring, and finding new ones is a hassle.
This time, we’re introducing brain-training activities related to “today” that seniors can enjoy every day.
We’ve prepared a variety—from game-like activities to ones that really make you think.
We’ll update the recommended brain-training challenges daily, so keep your mind active and enjoy even better days!
[For Seniors] Find daily brain training. Today’s recommended brain exercises (1–10)
Cognitive Function Test for Senior Citizen Course, April 2026 – Official Exam QuestionsNEW!
It’s dangerous to drive a car when your cognitive function is impaired, right? So let’s try some problems similar to the cognitive function test given in senior driver courses.
There are two questions in total.
The first asks you to memorize all 16 pictures.
They’ll appear in groups of four, so remember them in order and then answer all of them at the end.
The second question asks you to write today’s date and the day of the week.
Hints are available, but you’ll get a higher score if you answer without hints.
Use this test to check your current level of cognitive function.
LEGO
When you think of LEGO, you might picture children’s toys, but in fact there are many products aimed at adults as well.
From beautiful flowers and plants to adorable animals, and even models that rival plastic model kits like battleships and buildings… There’s a wide range of high-quality sets that, once completed, can double as interior decor.
They take patience to build, but they’re perfect for those who want to enjoy working steadily day by day over time.
Be sure to look for a LEGO set you’d love to create.
Puzzle-solving Book
Let’s enjoy some fun brain training with a pocket-sized puzzle book.
In senior care facilities, recreation often includes quizzes and riddles, and we’ve compiled those kinds of problems into a book.
A key feature is that you can jot down ideas and flashes of inspiration while solving.
Puzzle-solving lets you feel the joy and sense of accomplishment when you crack a problem.
You can work on it alone, or solve it together with family for extra fun.
Tackling the puzzles in a small group can also help stimulate communication.
Brain training with gojūon (Japanese syllabary) cards
As we age, it seems we may sometimes forget words.
So let’s use a set of kana cards to stimulate the brain.
First, arrange the cards in order starting from the A-row together with the older adult.
The act of arranging itself is said to help activate the brain.
Use the cards to form words—the more letters a word has, the higher the points.
Additionally, once a card has been used to make a word, it cannot be used again.
Treat voiced and semi-voiced marks (dakuten and handakuten) as a single card and make them count for points as well.
If someone can’t think of a word, it’s helpful for those around to offer hints like, “Let’s think of a word that starts with A.”
Word search with lyrics about Mt. Fuji
Let’s enjoy some brain training using familiar children’s songs! This time, we’ll use the lyrics of “Mount Fuji.” We’ll make a fill-in-the-blank activity with parts of the lyrics missing, and have participants think about what words go there.
Instead of just recalling the lyrics, they will search for words from prepared letter cards and assemble them.
Finding the correct answer gives a real sense of accomplishment.
Using well-known songs familiar to seniors makes the activity approachable and can also lead into singing.
It’s a fun way to help prevent cognitive decline, so it’s recommended as a recreation activity in senior care facilities.
Brain-Training Rhythm Exercises
On days when the rain keeps falling, you might not be able to go out and end up lacking exercise.
At times like that, try refreshing your mind and body with “brain-training rhythm exercises.” The classic move is the open–close hand exercise where you switch the shapes of your right and left hands.
If you add finger positions that aren’t used in rock-paper-scissors, the difficulty jumps up.
Recommended options are the OK sign made with your index finger and thumb, and the thumbs-up sign.
If you want to use your whole body, try an exercise where you follow the shape of your right arm—it’s a fun way to move while engaging your brain.
You can also take inspiration from comedy acts like Fujisaki Market’s “La La La Lai Exercise” and COWCOW’s “Atarimae Taiso” to make your workout time more enjoyable!
Kanji for sports
There are probably many seniors who look forward to sports news on TV and in the newspapers.
Sports like baseball and the Olympics can be enjoyable just to watch.
Some seniors may have played sports as a hobby in the past.
In that case, a sports-themed plastic bottle cap puzzle could be a great way to engage them.
Write the names of sports in kanji on the caps and place them on a sheet with the same sport written on it.
The sheet could also include illustrations of the sports.
We’d love for them to enjoy a kanji-based sports puzzle while getting into the spirit of sports.