For Seniors: Fun Activities in February — Celebrate Setsubun, Valentine’s Day, and Snow

Game delivered to you

@hirose_ds

TranslationElderlyRecreationValentine's Daytranslationpaper cupBalloonTarget practice

♪ One Million “I love you” – FUKI

Using simple paper cups, the “Deliver It to You” game launches a ping-pong ball from a cup as you take aim.

The force you use to pull the balloon will change how powerfully the ball flies.

If you hit and knock something down with the ping-pong ball, you win.

You can enjoy it either standing or sitting by adjusting the angle and how you hold it.

Aim at letters you want to send a message to, or shoot at any target you like.

It’s a fun game that helps build hand strength and concentration.

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mayumi

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Soy shooting

For the February tradition of Setsubun, try enjoying “soy shooting.” It’s basically a strikeout-style game where you throw balls—standing in for beans—at targets featuring illustrations of oni (demons) and compete for points.

Since it feels like demon-slaying, it’s perfect for a Setsubun event.

Using photos of acquaintances for the oni illustrations could make it unique and lively.

You can buy ready-made strikeout sets, but it’s also possible to make one yourself with cardboard and other materials.

It can be played while seated, too, so everyone can join in and drive away misfortune together.

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sasashina

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Tango of the Red Ogre and the Blue Ogre

@e6u42

[Day Service Center E-Yu] The Tango of the Red Ogre and the Blue Ogre#Asahikawa#Asahikawatranslation#WelfareCaregiverCaregivingElderlyNurse#CareManagerCare ManagerHome-visit nursingHelper RecruitmentCaregiver recruitment#AssistiveDevices#WantToConnectWithCaregiversResidential fee-based nursing homeLikeLike-backLooking for followsFollow meTranslationDay service recreation#vr360-degree cameraLooking for followsSetsubunDemon#Setsubun Bento

♬ Fun Fun Fun Fun Fun Fun – Parry Gripp

The Red Ogre and Blue Ogre Tango is a game that uses your hands and also works as a visual exercise.

Prepare several cards on the table, each with illustrations of a red ogre on one side and a blue ogre on the other.

When someone says “red,” flip each card so the red ogre side is facing up.

When they say “blue,” flip them to the opposite side.

Don’t stack the cards—spread them out in different positions so it also becomes a mental exercise to locate the cards.

A faster, more energetic call-and-response might make the game even more exciting.

Have fun and give it a try!

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mayumi

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Snowball Fight Game

@hirose_ds

TranslationCaregivingElderlyRecreation#2021New Year's partySnowball fightBalloonTerritory capture

♬ Starman (2012 Remaster) – David Bowie

When it comes to winter snow play, nothing beats a snowball fight! Many of us played as kids and ended up covered in snow.

Here’s an event that brings back those fun memories: a snowball-fight game using balloons.

Put tape down the center of the room to divide it into two sides.

Place several inflated balloons on the tape, and at the starting signal, throw “snowballs” to knock the balloons over to the other team’s side.

When the game ends, the team that has moved more balloons into the opponent’s territory wins.

Throw lots of snowballs, get moving, and feel like a kid again!

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sasashina

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Oni-korogashi (Demon Roll/Topple)

@ishizuegroup

Good evening, everyone! This is Yama, PR representative of Ishizue. Here’s an introduction to the brain-training recreation at the Kokoro Day Service Center for February. This time we’re introducing “Oni Korogashi”! Everyone sits in a circle and, as soon as the music starts, begins stepping in place (or clapping for those who find stepping difficult). Following a prompt (such as names of round objects or animals), participants pass a stuffed toy wearing an oni mask to the person next to them, like a hot-potato game. The stepping, clapping, and passing the stuffed toy engage the whole body, and recalling words that match the prompt stimulates the brain’s language areas. It’s a short video, but please have a look if you’d like.#Foundation groupCaregivingTranslationRecreationBrain training#GrandmaGrandpa

Original song – Ishizue Group – Ishizue Group

The “oni rolling” game is a gentle activity that gets both the mind and body working with simple movement.

While seated, keep marching your feet, and answer the prompt that’s been given while holding a doll wearing an oni (ogre) mask.

After you answer, pass the oni doll to the next person to hand off the turn.

The person who receives the doll should answer the next prompt in order.

Clear, familiar categories like vegetables, fruits, and animals work well.

Setting a time limit will likely make it even more exciting.

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mayumi

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Sweets buffet

Today's snack at Day Service Hidamari is a sweets buffet 🍰🍮 #dayservice snack #caregiving

Since February includes Valentine’s Day, you probably want to plan an exciting event where everyone can enjoy delicious treats.

How about having fun with a sweets buffet? Try making lots of different cakes and cookies and arranging them on a table.

Both the time spent choosing and the time spent eating will surely feel special.

Prepare items that older adults tend to like—such as rice crackers and traditional Japanese sweets—and create a snack time that’s a little different from the usual!

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sasashina

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Valentine’s Gift Exchange Tournament

This is the classic for gift exchanges! #Valentine

When it comes to February events, Valentine’s Day is the first that comes to mind.

Let’s exchange gifts with the people close to us to show our appreciation.

The rules are very simple: when you hear the handclap, pass your gift to the person next to you in the opposite direction.

During the chorus, raise the hand holding the gift and sway both hands as you dance.

When the music stops, you succeed in the game if you keep the gift you’re holding.

A slow song that everyone knows is recommended.

It might also be easier to prepare if you set a uniform budget for the gifts in advance.

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mayumi

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