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[For Seniors] January Activities and Recreation Games
January brings cold winds and a lingering chill in the air.
Here are some recommended recreational activities and games for older adults that are perfect for January.
We’ve gathered many options that can be enjoyed in a warm indoor setting!
As the weather gets colder, people tend to move less—so let’s get the body moving through games!
And of course, January means New Year’s.
New Year-themed activities and games might help older adults recall fond memories of the games they played in their childhood.
Enjoy a fun time with January-themed recreation while sparking lively conversations.
[For Seniors] January Activities and Recreation Games (1–10)
New Year’s Day True-or-False Quiz
When you think of New Year’s, what comes to mind? Many of you probably think of things like kagami mochi, the first sunrise of the year, kadomatsu decorations, and New Year’s cards.
There are many unique customs during New Year’s Day and the New Year period that differ from everyday life.
So, let’s enjoy a “Aru-Nashi” quiz with older adults on New Year’s Day.
Prepare several keywords for the “has” group and the “doesn’t have” group, and have participants figure out what the items in the “has” group have in common.
Recalling words stimulates the brain and can have brain-training benefits.
In addition to Aru-Nashi quizzes, quizzes whose answers relate to New Year’s Day or the New Year are also recommended.
Be sure to liven things up with quizzes when spending time with older adults!
Balloon Hanetsuki
Hagoita is a classic New Year’s game.
You use a paddle to hit a shuttlecock back and forth, similar to badminton.
The real shuttlecock has a weight, so it can get quite fast, which unfortunately makes it unsuitable for playing indoors.
That’s why balloon hagoita—using a balloon instead of a shuttlecock—is recommended! Balloons don’t hurt if they hit you, and because they float and fall slowly, even people who aren’t good at sports can enjoy the game.
You can compete to see how many hits you can make without letting the balloon touch the ground, or play rallies with a partner for fun.
Battledore and Shuttlecock Tournament
Hanetuki, a traditional New Year’s game that has long been loved, is said to symbolize warding off misfortune for the year and wishing for health and growth.
Many people likely have fond memories of playing it with family and friends when they were young.
How about trying hanetuki at a senior care facility? As shown in the video, using a balloon in place of the shuttlecock lets everyone play safely without risk.
You can also use a paper fan instead of a battledore to make it easy to try.
Because the aim of hanetuki is to hit the incoming shuttlecock back with the battledore so it doesn’t fall, it helps build quick reflexes.
It also involves large body movements, making it perfect for recreation in senior facilities!
New Year’s Song Exercise
How about enjoying some sing-and-exercise time with the well-known New Year’s song? For many, just hearing this tune brings a warm feeling that the New Year is just around the corner.
Let’s get our bodies moving energetically to the music.
It includes many easy-to-understand movements, like those of an octopus and a spinning top, so it’s simple to join in.
The key is to make each movement big and expressive! Since the exercises can be done while seated, they’re perfect for recreational fitness activities for older adults.
Use this sing-and-exercise routine to have fun and get through the cold winter!
Exercises to warm up the body
January is one of the coldest months of the year.
There are events like New Year’s shrine visits, but it can feel like a hassle to go outside.
When you spend many days indoors, lack of exercise becomes a concern.
To help with that, indoor exercises are recommended.
Doing simple exercises improves circulation and warms up your body.
They say that cold is the root of many illnesses, so let’s warm up with exercise and aim to stay healthy! For those who find standing difficult, seated exercises are also recommended.
Even just moving your upper body will warm you up!
January 25: Steamed Bun Day, making Chinese-style steamed buns
January 25 is Chinese Steamed Bun Day.
It’s said to be based on the day when the lowest temperature in Japan’s meteorological history was recorded.
The day carries the hope that people will warm up by eating piping-hot steamed buns on a cold day.
How about incorporating steamed bun making into your January snack recreation? It’s easy if you use sliced bread for the dough and gyoza for the filling.
Wrap cooked gyoza with sliced bread (with the crusts cut off).
Using plastic wrap while wrapping makes it easier.
Then microwave the wrapped gyoza, and you’re done.
Since this can be made while seated at a table, many older adults are likely to be able to participate in the snack activity.
Visiting a shrine and bean-throwing
When you think of New Year’s, many people probably think of hatsumode, the first shrine visit of the year.
While many of us went every year when we were younger, it can be difficult to go as we get older.
For seniors in that situation, an indoor hatsumode can be a delightful alternative.
In the day service featured in this video, they made a small, homemade torii gate and had the seniors come to pay their respects.
The handmade coins used as offerings and the fortune slips (omikuji) add to the atmosphere and are wonderful touches.
A hatsumode recreation is perfect for kicking off the new year—give it a try for inspiration!