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: Get Excited with Setsubun, Valentine's Day, and Snow (111–120)
Etegami for Setsubun
One of the charms of brush-and-paint picture postcards is that you can freely combine text and images.
In February, how about drawing Setsubun motifs such as Otafuku, oni (demons), and the beans used for bean-throwing to invite good fortune? For Otafuku, give the cheeks plenty of volume and a cheerful smile; for oni, emphasize the horns and fangs to boost their impact.
If you can, finish by stamping a seal—such as one carved from an eraser—for a signature touch.
Even if you’re not skilled at drawing, that can actually add a charming, rustic feel, so anyone can try it with ease.
Shoo Away Game
Let’s play a fun game using balls made from crumpled paper.
It’s called the “Shoo-It-Away Game.” Crumple up sheets of paper or newspaper into balls and place them in a horizontal line in the center of the table.
Before you start, put a strip of tape across the middle of the table to mark the center line.
This tape divides the table into your side and your opponent’s side.
When the game begins, use your hands to push the paper balls into your opponent’s territory on the opposite side.
The rules are simple, but it sounds like it could get exciting.
If you make the paper balls pink, they’ll look like cherry blossoms—perfect for an April game.
It also encourages conversation among participants and can help promote communication among older adults.
Cute origami oni wreath
When you think of Setsubun, you might picture scary ogres, but this time we’ll make a cute Setsubun wreath with origami.
We’ll create the base of the origami wreath, and since the steps aren’t complicated, it’s easy for seniors to try.
You’ll make several identical pieces for the base, so once you master how to fold one, the rest becomes simple.
After completing the wreath base, prepare parts related to Setsubun, such as ogres, Otafuku masks, and holly leaves.
You can make the parts together with seniors, or use items sold at 100-yen shops.
Even seniors who find it difficult to sense the seasons may be able to recall February through the crafting activity and by seeing the Setsubun wreath displayed on the wall.
Sheet Valley
Let’s play Seat Volleyball using sunshades sold at 100-yen stores.
It’s a game that many older adults can enjoy.
Connect two sunshades to make a volleyball court.
Have seated older adults hold the two connected sunshades.
Roll a beach volleyball on top of the sunshades.
Before starting, use tape or similar to mark territories on the sunshades.
When the time limit is up, the side where the ball is located loses.
With gameplay similar to real volleyball, older adults are likely to enjoy it.
Since it can be played while seated, many older participants should be able to join.
Chocolate fishing
Wouldn’t a plastic pool filled with chocolate make both kids and adults giddy with excitement? How about adding a Valentine’s-only “chocolate fishing” activity to your recreation plan? Attach magnets or clips to chocolate bars, individually wrapped bite-size chocolates, or bagged chocolate snacks, and fish them out with a rod that has a magnet on the end.
Chocolate bars can be a bit heavy, so it takes some finesse to reel them in, but catching one will feel like landing a big prize! It’s also fun to put the items in opaque bags so you can’t see what’s inside—opening them adds an extra layer of excitement, and it’s highly recommended.
Valentine’s Quiz
We’re introducing a Valentine’s Day quiz that’s perfect as brain training for seniors! If you’re planning a Valentine’s event at a senior facility, why not include it as a recreational activity? We’ve prepared Valentine-themed questions such as “Which country is considered the birthplace of Valentine’s Day?” and “Which chocolate manufacturer sparked Valentine’s Day in Japan?” Providing multiple-choice options, such as three choices per question, will make it easier for seniors to answer.
It would be wonderful if learning about the history and origins of Valentine’s Day helps spark their interest in the holiday!
Making Valentine’s chocolates
February means Valentine’s Day! How about enjoying some Valentine’s chocolate making with an easy recipe? Arrange chocolate bars of different colors on a sheet of parchment paper and warm them in the microwave.
Give them a gentle swirl with a toothpick to create a beautiful marbled pattern.
Then simply decorate the top with store-bought cookies and chocolates however you like.
Once it’s chilled and set, break it up casually like chocolate bark and pop the pieces into cute gift bags.
You can create impressive homemade chocolates without any complicated steps, so give it a try!
