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 — Let's Enjoy Setsubun, Valentine's Day, and Snow (11–20)
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.
Bean-throwing season’s “Hit, Put On, Rock-Paper-Scissors, Pon!”
‘Whack-a-Helmet Rock-Paper-Scissors’ is a game everyone played as a kid.
You play rock-paper-scissors; the winner tries to whack the loser on the head, and the loser tries to block it before getting hit.
People often use a squeaky toy hammer as the striking tool, but to get into the Setsubun spirit, let’s try using an oni’s club instead.
Of course, it’s just a soft, inflatable club, so there’s no need to worry about injuries.
Even so, just in case, the loser should defend themselves with a cushion or a helmet.
The first person to land a hit on their opponent wins.
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.
Setsubun Candy-Grabbing Game
Even older adults might feel like kids again when they hear they can get candy, don’t you think? In this game, you use a tool with rings attached to a string to catch the candies placed on a mat and pull them toward you.
It’s a game you can play while seated, but since you throw the ring and reel the string in using your arms and upper body, it’s simple yet gives you some exercise.
Wearing an oni (demon) hat or mask while throwing might make it even more exciting.
Gather some nostalgic dagashi (old-time Japanese snacks) and give it a try!
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!
Bean-picking game
This is a “bean-picking game” that also serves as training for older adults.
If you’re planning a bean-throwing event, why not organize this alongside it? The game involves moving beans with chopsticks, but using a spoon lowers the difficulty, making it easier for seniors to participate.
Set a time limit and compete to see who can pick up and move the most beans!
For Seniors: February Activities. Get Excited with Setsubun, Valentine’s Day, and Snow (21–30)
Setsubun bean-toss game
Here’s a recommended bean-toss game for February, when Setsubun takes place.
Attach images of ogres (oni) or related characters like Momotaro to some containers.
From a short distance, toss beanbags or ping-pong balls into the containers.
Each container has a point value, and landing a ball inside earns you those points.
It’s fun solo, but forming teams and competing makes it even more exciting.
Because beanbags and ping-pong balls are light, they’re easy for older adults to handle, and there’s little risk of injury if they’re dropped.
Calculating the scores together with older adults can also serve as brain training.
