For Seniors: Fun Activities in February — Celebrate Setsubun, Valentine’s Day, and Snow
In February, when the chill still lingers, how about spending some joyful time with activities that warm both body and soul? We’ve gathered plenty of smile-bringing ideas that capture the unique seasonal feel of February—from games themed around Setsubun and Valentine’s Day, to exercises you can do while seated, and even “snowball fights” using newspaper.
These activities can spark nostalgic memories, naturally liven up conversations with those around you, and help you feel good by moving your body—offering lots of positive effects to look forward to.
Precisely because it’s a cold season, please enjoy heartwarming moments indoors with safe, fun activities!
- [For Seniors] Recommended Events for February: Fun Ideas to Fill Everyone with Smiles
- Recreation Ideas for Seniors: Perfect for Setsubun and Bean-Throwing Activities
- [For Seniors] Fun February Crafts: Ideas Inspired by Setsubun, Valentine’s Day, and Other Events
- [For Seniors] Enjoy the Cold Winter! Seated Activities You Can Do
- [For Seniors] Easy and fun seated activities you can do in your room
- For Seniors: Wall Decorations to Brighten Up February — Festive Ideas for Setsubun, Valentine’s Day, Plum Blossoms, and More
- [For Day Service Centers] February Craft Ideas: Decorations for Setsubun, Valentine’s Day, and the Feeling of Spring
- [For seniors] A handmade calendar you’ll want to make in February
- [For Seniors] Fun Winter Activities: Recreation and Games
- [For Seniors] Simple Tabletop Games: Fun and Engaging Recreational Activities
- [For Seniors] Lively! Entertainment Ideas for New Year’s Parties
- [For Seniors] Recommended February Snack Activities: Easy, Enjoyable Sweet Treat Ideas
- [For Seniors] Fun Brain Training! February-Themed Quiz
[For Seniors] February Activities: Have Fun with Setsubun, Valentine’s Day, and Snow (91–100)
Making Ehomaki (lucky sushi rolls)
Ehomaki has now become a familiar seasonal custom for Setsubun across Japan.
It’s a tradition where you face the year’s lucky direction and eat in silence on Setsubun day to pray for a year of health and safety.
Said to have originated in Osaka, it has long been beloved in the Kansai region, but it has spread nationwide, and you now see banners in supermarkets and convenience stores well in advance of the day.
Let’s make ehomaki and enjoy them together! If you prepare the fillings and vinegared rice in advance, then set things up so all that’s left is to place the rice and fillings on the roasted nori and roll, even those who aren’t confident in cooking can have fun.
Constellation observation
In February, when the harsh winter cold sets in, the air is clear and the stars in the night sky appear sharper.
Simply gazing at the wide expanse of stars is wonderful, but why not try looking for constellations by paying attention to directions and other clues? Start with famous constellations like Orion, explore what others are out there, and let your thoughts drift across the night sky.
Bright stars are often part of constellations, so you might find a bright star first and then identify the constellation it belongs to.
Holly Sardine Origami
When you think of Setsubun, ogres and bean-throwing probably come to mind right away, but have you heard of one of the traditional decorations called hiiragi iwashi? It’s a Setsubun ornament based on an old custom: you skewer a grilled sardine head onto a sprig of holly with leaves and display it at your entrance to ward off misfortune and evil.
Let’s try making this hiiragi iwashi using origami.
You’ll need origami paper, glue, and a pair of wooden chopsticks.
The sardine’s face will vary depending on who draws it, so enjoy creating a uniquely personal hiiragi iwashi.
Setsubun True-or-False Quiz
Setsubun is one of Japan’s long-standing customs.
It’s said that during the Edo period, the style of throwing roasted soybeans, as it’s done today among ordinary people, became established.
Would you like to enjoy Setsubun’s rich history with a true-or-false quiz? Older adults may feel a sense of accomplishment when their answers are correct, and even when they don’t know something, it becomes a fun way to learn new facts.
Of course, because it’s a quiz, it can stimulate the brain and may help prevent cognitive decline.
It’s recommended as a recreation activity and also as a great conversation starter when talking with older adults.
Valentine’s Day Crafts
Speaking of February, it’s all about Valentine’s Day! Traditionally, it’s an event where women give gifts like chocolates to men, but how about making a present yourself this year? If you decorate it in a cute, unique way using familiar materials like construction paper or origami, it’ll really help set the Valentine’s Day mood!
Chocolate making
With Valentine’s Day on February 14 approaching, how about making homemade chocolates with just a few simple ingredients? All you need is a chocolate bar, heavy cream, and cocoa powder.
Break the chocolate into pieces, combine it with warmed cream, and once it’s melted, pour it into a mold and chill until set.
When the chocolate has firmed up, cut it into pieces and coat them with cocoa powder—and you’re done! They’re soft and melt in the mouth, so even older adults can enjoy them safely.
If coughing or choking is a concern, try making them without the cocoa powder.
Bean Picking Game
The “Bean-Grabbing Game” is played by passing peanuts around in time with a chant and instantly reacting to grab a ball when the signal is given.
Each ball has a price based on its color—like 100 yen—and the points your team earns depend on which ball you take.
Since the ball values change from time to time, it trains your reflexes and gives your brain a good workout too.
