[For Seniors] Today’s Recommended Activity: Fun and Engaging
At day service centers and nursing care facilities, recreational activities are often held, right?
There are various activities tailored to the seasons and events, but this time we’ve gathered recreation ideas related to today.
They can be a great opportunity to learn about lesser-known events and anniversaries, and they might make for a unique change of pace from your usual activities.
We’ll update our recommended activities daily, so use them as a reference and have fun engaging and energizing your seniors!
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[For Seniors] Today’s Recommended Activities: Fun and Lively (1–10)
Long time no see.
This recreation activity called “Ohisashiburine” is a game based on the Tanabata tale of Orihime and Hikoboshi.
A picture of Orihime and Hikoboshi is attached to a water-filled plastic bottle, then placed on top of a uchiwa (Japanese hand fan).
A string is tied to the fan, and the other end of the string is wound around a stick or similar object and gradually wound to bring it closer.
Because it’s easy to enjoy while seated, it’s recommended as a recreation activity for older adults.
Spot the differences in New Year’s illustrations
A spot-the-difference game that helps develop memory, concentration, and attention.
In nursing care facilities and day service centers, it’s often used as brain training for older adults.
In January, using New Year-themed illustrations for the spot-the-difference game is a great idea.
There are plenty of New Year motifs to choose from, such as kagami mochi, the zodiac animal, and kadomatsu decorations! Setting a time limit and tackling the game as a team can also lead to lively interaction with others.
Give it a try!
Cherry blossom viewing
As a seasonal recreational activity, I would like to suggest going cherry-blossom viewing (hanami).
As many people imagine, it’s about enjoying the sight of cherry blossoms.
The charm isn’t just in appreciating the elegance of the blossoms; it’s also in enjoying conversation there and savoring delicious food.
If you make it a walk and view the blossoms while strolling, it could also help address a lack of exercise.
Why not start by looking for the perfect spot for hanami? By the way, there are even recreational activities that let you enjoy the hanami atmosphere indoors.
[For Seniors] Today’s Recommended Recreation: Fun and Lively (11–20)
party trick
Let’s try putting on an escape-game-style performance using cardboard, with staff presenting it for the seniors.
A person gets inside a box, and people insert swords into the box from the outside; when all the swords are finally pulled out, the person inside comes back to life.
It really livens things up if you let the seniors participate by inserting the swords.
You can get even more laughs by having the person inside react with exaggerated “pain” each time they get poked, or by adding other creative touches.
Staff can also make it more fun by wearing costumes or adopting characters that are different from their usual look.
And if someone figures out the trick, turn it into a funny moment by ad-libbing!
Sugoroku game
Starting in the New Year, we’d like to introduce a “Sugoroku game” that seniors can enjoy! It’s a game where everyone designs the squares together and works on activities like exercises and arithmetic while aiming for the goal.
In winter, we tend to stay indoors as our bodies feel the cold, but because Sugoroku is played with multiple people, it can also foster sociability and cooperation.
Plus, by incorporating physical movements into the squares, you’ll warm up your body and improve muscle strength.
Many participants will surely look forward to prizes at the finish line, too.
Be sure to enjoy it together with seniors!
dance
To liven up a fun gathering, how about giving it your all and performing a dance? Many older adults are likely familiar with “Matsuken Samba II,” which became a huge hit when Ken Matsudaira performed it in a flashy gold costume.
It’s great to perform in a sparkly outfit, but it’s also recommended to simplify the choreography and dance together with the seniors! It helps loosen up the body and can serve as light exercise, so it might be a good idea to incorporate it into regular recreational activities.
Yoga
Yoga, which refreshes both mind and body, has become a popular form of exercise, especially among women, thanks to fitness and spiritual trends.
It may be less familiar to older adults, but indoor yoga requires almost no equipment and is attractive for its convenience.
It’s not a strenuous workout; you move slowly while breathing deeply, helping both mind and body relax, and it’s said to be effective for preventing the need for care.
Since it can be done seated, why not try incorporating it into day-service recreation activities?
