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 (1–10)
Demons out! Cap-dropping game
@toiro_efilagroup Let’s work together—demons out! 👹Nursery teacher / Childcare workerChildcare WorkerKanagawaAfter-school day service#toiro# developmental support (ryōiku)#NeurodevelopmentalDisorders#Indoor PlayTranslationTeamworkSetsubun
♪ Original song – toiro After-school Day – toiro After-school Day
It’s a game where you drop ogres made from plastic bottle caps through a hole in a plastic sheet.
There’s a hole in the center of the sheet, and everyone holds the four sides, shaking and lifting it.
If you manage to drive all the ogres into the hole, you win! Be careful with the height and position you hold the sheet—if you’re not careful, the ogres will escape off the edges instead of going through the hole.
The ogres are easy to make by gluing two caps together and sticking a face sticker on the outside.
Since everyone will be holding the plastic sheet, prepare a large one.
Song exercise: Mount Fuji
February 23 was designated “Mt.
Fuji Day” in 2001.
The reason for this date is said to be a play on sounds in Japanese: 2 = fu, 2 = ji, 3 = san (Fuji-san).
As a February activity, how about trying a seated exercise set to the children’s song “Fujinoyama”? You can move your arms in a figure-eight to evoke Mount Fuji, or slowly spread your hands and feet to the sides.
The melody is very calm, so it’s easy to move your body without strain.
If you know the song, feel free to sing along and enjoy it.
Deliver the Heart Game
It’s a game with a comedic vibe where targets are set up using illustrations of people everyone admires, and players throw hearts at them.
If you ask in advance about celebrities or public figures they’ve admired on TV or in magazines and prepare targets to match, players will likely tackle the game with more passion.
The rules are simple—compete on how many hearts you can land in the target—but adding the element of sending them to someone meaningful helps sharpen focus.
It also seems like a great conversation starter afterward, since you can talk about who each person admired.
For Seniors: February Activities — Let's Enjoy Setsubun, Valentine's Day, and Snow (11–20)
Setsubun pinata whacking
@cs.matsuyama TranslationSetsubun 2022Pinata WhackingRecreation
♬ Original Song – Care Support Matsuyama – Care Support Matsuyama
Piñata breaking originated in Mexico, but in recent years it’s been seen at various events in Japan as well.
At birthday parties and Halloween, you hit it with a stick and candy comes out, so it’s especially popular with kids.
How about trying a Setsubun-themed version of a piñata? Naturally, decorate the piñata like an oni (demon), and have older participants take a few swings to help relieve stress.
Be sure to adjust how easy it is to break to suit the participants.
Demon Cookie Making
These are ogre-themed cookies whose charm lies in the satisfying feel of cutting out the dough.
First, make the base dough.
As usual, mix eggs, cake flour, and baking powder.
Then chill it in the refrigerator and you’re ready to go.
Next, use your favorite cookie cutters to cut out shapes.
We recommend cutters like an ogre’s face or an ogre’s spiked club.
There are many products available, so try finding cutters you like.
By the way, be careful not to overbake, as the patterns can get blurred.
Bean-throwing (Mamemaki)
When we think of February, we think of Setsubun—and when we think of Setsubun, we think of bean throwing, right? Have you got your beans ready yet? If an oni (ogre) shows up in your home, throw those beans with gusto and drive it out.
In day service centers or care settings, it can be tough on the staff who play the role of the oni, but since it’s a nostalgic event that brings back memories of the old days, I’m sure many older adults will enjoy it.
True-or-False Quiz: “Valentine’s Day”
A true-or-false quiz that anyone can easily join, anywhere.
Since it’s February, let’s try a Valentine’s quiz! The questions are about Valentine’s Day and chocolate.
If you hand out chocolate to the winners, it might boost motivation.
Even if they can’t eat it right away, the guys will be happy to receive chocolate!