Snacks and activity ideas for seniors to enjoy in January
January marks the beginning of the year.
Even after the New Year’s holiday, we still feel celebratory and refreshed, and many of us feel motivated to try new things.
With that in mind, I’ve put together snack activity recipes and ideas that are perfect for the New Year and for January.
From treats that let you savor that New Year atmosphere or a slightly different vibe than usual, to snacks made with ingredients that are especially delicious in winter.
These are basically easy to make and use as little heat as possible, so they should be simple for everyone to prepare.
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January Treat Activities for Seniors to Enjoy (11–20)
Matcha and black soybean pound cake
This pound cake has a distinctly Japanese feel, with black soybeans scattered as accents against the vivid green of matcha.
Because plenty of matcha powder is mixed in, its aroma stands out beautifully once baked.
Cream butter, light brown sugar, and beaten eggs together little by little, then add cake flour, matcha, and baking powder, and finally fold in the black soybeans.
Pour the batter into the mold and bake to finish.
Details like how you mix according to the ingredients and how you pour the batter into the mold are crucial points.
Compare the quantities and steps as you go, and proceed carefully to get it right.
Kinako stick-style
This is a kinako stick-style treat that lets you enjoy an old-fashioned flavor.
It uses only three ingredients: water, sugar, and roasted soybean flour (kinako).
Just mix them together and chill, and it’s ready.
After that, feel free to add toothpicks or sprinkle on extra kinako to taste.
Its appearance is reminiscent of classic dagashi (old-time Japanese penny candy), so it’s sure to evoke a bit of nostalgia.
It’s nice to savor while reminiscing about the past.
The texture is pleasantly chewy, and the simple sweetness is quite addictive.
I think people looking for a snack that isn’t too sweet will enjoy it, too.
dorayaki (Japanese red-bean pancake)
Dorayaki—soft, castella-like cakes filled with sweet red bean paste—are a classic wagashi enjoyed by people of all ages.
While they may seem tricky to make, let’s prepare an easy version using pancake mix.
Simply combine pancake mix with eggs and honey, cook the batter, and finish by sandwiching the red bean paste.
The key is to cook slowly over low heat, keeping in mind that a soft, tender finish is what you’re aiming for.
Dessert buffet
Let’s have everyone choose their favorites from an array of different desserts.
People who want to try as many varieties as possible and those who want to stick to only what they love will each show their individuality through their choices, so it’s a great idea to use their selection points as a conversation starter.
If each dessert is large, there’s a chance they’ll only be able to pick one, so prepare smaller items like fruit and mini cakes.
It could also be fun to let everyone show off their creativity—playing with tray colors and combinations might even lead to inventing brand-new desserts.
Microwave Steamed Bread
This is an easy steamed cake you can make in the microwave using pancake mix.
Just mix the ingredients until combined, pour into a mold, and heat in the microwave—simple steps.
If you let them try cooking with a bit of help on the side, they can really enjoy seeing how something they made turns out when it’s baked.
It’s fine to simply have them eat the finished steamed cake, but you could also let them add cream or fruit as they like and enjoy the decorating, too.
chocolate warabi mochi
Warabi mochi has a uniquely chewy and bouncy texture that’s incredibly addictive.
While the classic version is coated in kinako (roasted soybean flour), why not try a twist and make chocolate warabi mochi? With simple ingredients, it’s perfect for an afternoon snack activity, and seniors will surely be excited to discover what it tastes like! Just mix potato starch, sugar, milk, and cocoa powder, heat gently over low heat, and once the mixture thickens and turns chewy as the moisture evaporates, it’s ready.
Transfer it to a water-dampened container, cover with plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator to set.
It pairs wonderfully with green tea or coffee and will be a delightful treat for New Year’s snack time.
Snacks Activities for Seniors to Enjoy in January (21–30)
sweet sake (amazake)
Amazake is often served at New Year’s, and you can actually make it easily with a food storage bag and a rice cooker! It also gives that festive New Year’s feeling, so why not include it as a snack activity at your day service? All you need is rice malt (kome-koji).
To make it, simply mix the rice malt with hot water, put it in the rice cooker on the keep-warm setting, and leave it for 8 to 10 hours.
Because it has a distinctive sweetness and flavor, if you’re not fond of drinking it straight, we recommend diluting it with milk or soy milk.
Koji-based amazake is so nutritious it’s often called a “drinkable IV drip,” so it’s something we’d love for older adults to enjoy as well!