![[For Seniors] Today’s Recommended Activity: Fun and Engaging](https://i.ytimg.com/vi_webp/CFtL39IHJIQ/maxresdefault.webp)
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)
Halloween party
Halloween has become firmly established in Japan, much like Valentine’s Day and Christmas.
Perhaps the big annual events at places like Tokyo Disneyland and Universal Studios Japan have something to do with it.
Of course, there are plenty of ways for seniors to enjoy it as well.
Even without a full costume, just wearing a ghost-themed headband can put you in the Halloween spirit.
Hosting a pumpkin-cooking event or a candy exchange where everyone swaps treats while saying “trick or treat” could be fun, too.
Storytelling sessions with kamishibai or read-alouds of picture books about Halloween would also be wonderful.
handheld fireworks
On summer nights, a handheld fireworks recreation that seniors can enjoy with peace of mind offers a precious time to savor the season with all five senses while feeling the cool outdoor air.
Cheers may erupt at the colorful fireworks, and it might even bring back nostalgic summer memories.
Ensure thorough safety measures and solid support from staff.
Conversation among participants will increase, creating a lively space full of smiles.
Unlike indoor activities, the sense of openness and summery atmosphere are especially appealing.
It’s an ideal way to fully enjoy summer, perfect for events at senior facilities and for community engagement.
Fireworks, swimming in the ocean, and the watermelon-splitting exercise
When you think of July, what comes to mind? Fireworks, swimming in the sea, watermelon-splitting—these may be some of the things that come to mind for older adults.
It’s said that recalling the past can help increase blood flow in the brain.
With that in mind, here’s an exercise routine that incorporates movements inspired by things associated with July.
Of course, it’s also fine to use movements based on July-related ideas provided by older participants themselves.
While doing the exercises, you can look back on childhood memories or summer episodes spent with family.
From there, conversations can naturally emerge, helping to promote communication as well.
Music therapy-based recreation
The “musical recreation” held as part of the summer festival adds a comforting pause amid the lively atmosphere.
From seasonal children’s songs like “Umi” and “Ware wa Umi no Ko” to familiar folk tunes such as “Tanko-bushi,” “Tokyo Ondo,” and “Donpan-bushi,” the program is filled with songs everyone has sung at least once.
Nostalgia naturally brings out voices and handclaps, creating a sense of unity throughout the venue.
It’s also a lovely moment when memories bubble up—like, “I used to sing this a lot as a child.” In addition to singing, gently moving your body or incorporating simple instruments makes it even more enjoyable.
A stroll activity to the nearby park
When the weather turns warm and mild, I highly recommend a stroll activity.
In fact, going for a walk is packed with benefits! Exposure to sunlight helps your body produce vitamin D, which strengthens bones.
Planning a date and destination for an outing engages orientation skills—the ability to understand your situation—while getting ready to go out and following a route use executive functions, the abilities needed to achieve goals.
If you’re walking, you can also expect various effects such as maintaining muscle strength and improving circulation.
Even in a wheelchair, spending the day differently than usual can refresh both body and mind, so please give it a try.
fashion show
A birthday party that celebrates longevity and expresses daily gratitude.
How about holding a fashion show as part of this wonderful birthday event? Invite seniors to wear outfits connected to their lives or ones they’ve always wanted to try.
Choosing among dresses, kimonos, and more can make for an enjoyable time in itself.
And be sure to spend time on makeup, too.
Just as there is makeup therapy that incorporates psychological techniques, some people feel lighter and brighter after a makeover.
Walking the runway with staff members, just like a real fashion show, is sure to get everyone excited.
High touch rec
A high five is when two people clap each other’s hands, often when greeting brightly or feeling happy.
Let’s turn this high five into a recreation activity that seniors can enjoy.
Have everyone sit in a circle on chairs and high-five the person next to them.
Try high-fiving with just one hand, or flip the hands over to change the palm orientation as you go.
Make the seated circle smaller so people can reach to tap someone’s hand, or do double high fives with both hands.
Thinking about who has a free hand and counting to ten while high-fiving can also help train the brain.
It’s an activity that may spark conversations with people who don’t usually talk and broaden communication.