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)
Making an oni maskNEW!
@dai2amakeijusou We’re introducing one of our club activities, the Otassha Club! 😆The Second Ama KeijusōSpecial Nursing Home for the ElderlySakamakiElderly care facilityNursing care facilitySetsubunOni of Setsubun
♬ Mame Maki – Morinoki Children’s Chorus Group
We’d like to introduce a craft activity where you choose parts to complete an oni (demon) mask.
Since it can be difficult for older adults to make a mask from scratch, we provide facial parts on construction paper with cutting lines drawn, pre-cut hair base pieces, and yarn in various colors and patterns.
After choosing your favorite parts, combine them to complete your oni mask.
The nice thing about this idea is that you don’t have to create everything from scratch, and by trying out combinations in a basket, it’s easy to imagine what kind of oni it will become.
On the day of the Setsubun event, be sure to wear your handmade mask and join in!
Defeat the demons and bring out good fortune gameNEW!
@e6u42 [Day Service Center E-Yu] Defeat the Oni and Bring Forth Good Fortune Game#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 followsSetsubunDemonSetsubun
♬ Kizuna No Kiseki – MAN WITH A MISSION & milet
It’s a target game where plastic bottles filled with water have illustrations of demons stuck on them, and you knock them down by throwing beanbags or balls.
The fun part is how well the “Bring out good fortune” aspect of the game’s title is incorporated.
When a bottle falls, an illustration of Okame on the bottom becomes visible.
It has a score written on it, so you’ll want to reveal a high-scoring Okame—but you won’t know the score unless you knock it down.
It’s a fun game that tests your luck, so be sure to play it for Setsubun!
Snack Activity: Oni Cream PuffsNEW!
Give your usual snack a Setsubun twist! Here’s an idea for making oni (demons) with store-bought cream puffs.
Imagine the cream puff as a face, then pipe colored whipped cream on top to make the hair.
Draw the eyes and mouth with a chocolate pen.
Finally, stick in cone-shaped pieces as the horns to finish—but it’s recommended to let the seniors handle the final touches! Let them freely design whether it’s a one-horned or two-horned oni, and enjoy completing their very own unique demon.
Setsubun StrikeoutNEW!
Let’s enjoy a strikeout game—throwing balls to knock out nine targets—with a Setsubun twist.
Normally the panels are numbered 1 through 9, but you can replace them with illustrations of oni (demons) and okame (comedic female masks).
That alone makes it a perfect recreation activity for Setsubun! While strikeout sets can be rented, if you want to customize them, we recommend making your own with cardboard and other materials.
Also, to ensure older adults can participate comfortably, don’t place the throwing line too far from the targets.
Food activity: making Ehomaki (lucky direction sushi rolls)NEW!
For a Setsubun lunch, how about actually making ehomaki? If you’re a woman, you’ve probably made them by hand at least once, so it might bring back fond memories.
Spread a thin layer of rice over the nori and place the fillings on top.
Traditionally, in reference to the Seven Lucky Gods, common fillings include kanpyo (dried gourd strips), tamagoyaki (rolled omelet), cucumber, and shrimp, but it’s a good idea to choose fillings that are easy for older adults to eat.
Once you’ve added the fillings, roll it up and enjoy together.
As you eat, have fun chatting about how it tastes and what kinds of fillings you like.
Demon Balance Game
@chooobo2 Balance game 👹 This material will be distributed via an Instagram subscription ✨ You can also play by stacking plastic bottle caps or sponges 🌼Made in FebruarySetsubun craftSetsubun#HandmadeToyspaper plate#AtHomePlayPaper Plate Craft
Oria – niKu
Let’s try playing a Setsubun balance game where you place little ogres (oni) on a base made from a paper plate.
The base is shaped like a semicircle, so each time you add an oni it wobbles, keeping players on edge.
Players take turns placing oni, and whoever causes the balance to tip and makes the oni fall loses.
This game is easy to make with just a paper plate and a single sheet of paper printed with oni illustrations.
Fold the paper plate in half, then add parallel creases to the left and right of the center fold to fix it into a semicircle.
For the oni, print the illustrations on paper, cut them into strips, and fold them into rectangular shapes.
Oni-Knockdown Game
On Setsubun, many people still follow the old custom of throwing beans.
For February’s Setsubun, how about leveling up from bean-throwing with an “Oni Knockdown Game”? Laminate an illustration of an ogre (oni), stick it onto a plastic bottle filled with salt water, and use it as a target.
The salt water helps preserve it, so give it a try.
You’ll throw a relatively heavy beanbag at the targets, making it a bit of light exercise, too.
February is a time of harsh cold, and muscles tend to stiffen up.
Let’s liven things up with a recreation that combines a fun game and some movement.
