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 (121–130)
fashion show
February 9 is designated as “Clothing Day” in Japan because of a wordplay on the date.
How about holding a fashion show to mark the occasion? Whether it’s outfits you wouldn’t normally wear—flashy clothes, formal attire like dresses and tuxedos—or even surprising choices like school uniforms or idol costumes, letting everyone choose their favorite outfits and put on a fashion show is sure to liven things up! If any staff members are skilled at makeup, they could handle hair and makeup to enhance the fashion show atmosphere, too.
Lidded cup wrapping
“Cup Wrapping with a Lid” is a wonderful idea that seniors can enjoy as well.
The lid made using a paper cup and origami is very unique and is sure to bring a sense of surprise and delight.
Since folding origami uses the fingertips, it also helps stimulate the brain.
Another appealing point is that you can create a variety of expressions by getting creative with the lid’s design.
How about putting chocolates in this cute wrapping for Valentine’s Day? Let’s make them together and share the joy of giving.
It will be a lovely activity that conveys the warmth of heartfelt, handmade gifts.
Ehomaki Rolling Game
Let’s have a fun time with the Ehomaki-Maki Game.
Create imaginative Ehomaki by using a black anti-slip mat as the nori and a white ventilation fan filter as the rice.
Older adults can stimulate their brains by moving their hands while remembering the steps in order.
After completing the rolls, face the lucky direction and cheerfully say, “Oni wa soto, fuku wa uchi!” to fill the room with smiles.
The time spent cooperating and enjoying together is truly a rich moment, isn’t it? Let’s hold a group recreation that everyone can enjoy, with enough energy to blow away the winter chill.
Newspaper Clipping Activity
This activity involves making a heart shape for Valentine’s Day by tearing pieces of newspaper by hand bit by bit.
Focus on clearly visualizing the shape you want to create, and pay close attention to the fine hand movements that match that shape.
Newspaper has fibers, and it tears differently along the vertical and horizontal directions, so recognizing that is key to tearing neatly.
It’s also a great idea to try more intricate shapes, like stars, not just hearts.
Pay attention to the subtle movements of your fingers and how you apply pressure, and use this to thoroughly train your fingertips.
[For Seniors] February Activities: Get Excited with Setsubun, Valentine’s Day, and Snow (131–140)
Roasted Sweet Potato Making
In February, when you can feel the chill of midwinter, let’s make some sweets that will warm you up from the inside.
Sweet potatoes, a classic seasonal treat from autumn through winter, are also popular among older adults.
You can enjoy both the fun of making a bonfire outdoors and the delight of eating freshly baked sweet potatoes.
Having your favorite seasonings on hand—like butter or salt—will give you more ways to customize them.
Try dividing responsibilities, such as wrapping the potatoes in aluminum foil or gathering firewood, and give it a go.
It’s a recreational activity that will spark lively conversations filled with memories.
Making snow rabbits
Snow bunnies, made by packing pure white snow into the shape of a rabbit, are a traditional favorite in Japan and are loved by people of all ages for their cute form.
They are wintery figures you can feel the season through—children make them by gathering snow, and they’re also represented in Japanese confectionery.
To craft one, wrap crumpled newspaper with copy paper, then attach origami to represent nandina berries and construction paper shaped like leaves.
By making the nandina leaves and berries together, you can create a more festive item.
The process involves few steps and makes for a recreational activity that also helps train fine motor skills.
Oni Underpants Exercise
When it comes to characters essential to Setsubun, oni (demons) are a must—and the go-to song that depicts them is “Oni no Pantsu.” Let’s do exercises to this song and get a feel for what Setsubun oni look like by moving our bodies.
A key point is not only the oni’s horns but also how to express their “pants.” By incorporating clapping and finger shapes, it effectively trains the fingertips as well.
Rather than limiting movements to in front of the body, it’s recommended to include steps like marching to engage the whole body thoroughly.