[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.
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- [For Seniors] Simple Recreational Activities You Can Enjoy While Seated
- [For Seniors] January Craft Ideas: Boost Your Luck with New Year Decorations and Good-Luck Charms
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- [For Seniors] Fun Recreational Activities Without Equipment
- Recreation Activities to Liven Up January Events for Seniors
- [For Seniors] Recreational Activities Enjoyable in Large Groups
- Snacks and activity ideas for seniors to enjoy in January
- [For Seniors] January Trivia Quiz & Fun Facts. Brain training with quizzes about New Year and winter.
- [For Seniors] Fun Winter Activities: Recreation and Games
- [For Seniors] Easy and fun seated activities you can do in your room
[For Seniors] January Activities and Recreation Games (11–20)
Perfect rhythm exercises you can do while seated, ideal for New Year’s and Setsubun
January is still bitterly cold, and it’s hard to get outside, isn’t it? So how about doing some exercises indoors to make up for the lack of activity? These exercises are set to music perfect for the New Year.
The songs are “Oshōgatsu” and “Ichigatsu Tsuitachi,” and the choreography is different for each.
While seated, you can slowly bend and extend your knees, clap your hands, and move both arms up from the shoulders or forward—simple moves that will thoroughly loosen up your whole body.
It’s a routine anyone can try, so give it a go within a comfortable range.
New Year decorations making
Let’s make a festive New Year’s decoration you’ll want to display in your room.
This piece is completed by attaching red-and-white flowers, a “Geshun” (Welcoming Spring) tag, and mizuhiki cord ornaments onto a fan base.
You can tie the mizuhiki yourself, or purchase a shape you like from a 100-yen shop.
For the fan, first join two sheets of plain origami paper vertically, then adhere narrow strips of washi-patterned origami along the left and right edges.
Accordion-fold the paper, shape it into a fan, and glue the necessary points to hold the form.
For the red-and-white flowers, stack several sheets of tissue paper, accordion-fold them, secure the center with wire, then gently separate each layer to form the flower.
Make the “Geshun” tag by writing the characters on paper and mounting it on gold origami.
Finally, attach all the parts to the fan in a balanced arrangement, and your decoration is complete!
Flying Fukuwarai
Let us introduce the sure-to-be-a-hit “Flying Fukuwarai.” Many people have played Fukuwarai during the New Year, right? In this video, they showcase a playful twist on the classic game.
Traditionally, you play Fukuwarai with your eyes closed, but in this version, you keep your eyes open.
Seated in a chair, you throw facial parts like eyes toward a face sheet placed on the floor—hence the “flying” in the name.
Even with your eyes open, it’s surprisingly hard to assemble the face, making it a fresh, hilarious take on Fukuwarai.
It’s bound to spark laughter! Be sure to try it as a recreation activity idea.
Making seven-herb rice porridge
Let’s all work together and try making nanakusa-gayu! Nanakusa-gayu is rice porridge that includes the seven herbs of spring.
There’s a custom of eating it on January 7, and it’s said to be a tradition that has continued since the Edo period.
Some of you may remember reciting “seri, nazuna, gogyo…” in school.
By eating these medicinal herbs, which are believed to ward off evil, we pray for the health of our families and friends.
Older adults who value traditions and customs in particular might know delicious ways to prepare nanakusa-gayu.
If you learn from them and make and eat it together, you’ll be able to spend the year in good health!
Hanging ornament of pine, bamboo, and plum
Perfect for the New Year! Let’s make a hanging decoration inspired by pine, bamboo, and plum.
For this craft, roll strips of construction paper into loops, staple them, then crease or combine them to form the pine, bamboo, and plum shapes.
It’s very easy and cute, so give it a try.
Since you’ll need multiple cut strips of paper, you can use paper tape if you want to shorten the crafting time.
Once the pine, bamboo, and plum pieces are finished, attach them alternately with red-and-white circular parts onto a long strip-shaped base.
Then hang it in any arrangement you like and enjoy.
Making several and using them as wall decorations is lovely, too.
poetry karuta
When it comes to classic New Year’s games that are still popular today, karuta definitely comes to mind.
Here’s an arranged version called “Song Karuta”! All you need are blank multipurpose cards and a pen.
You can substitute thick paper or construction paper for the cards.
It’s better to use slightly thicker paper than flimsy sheets.
Write the singer’s name and the song title as a set.
Using popular enka or kayōkyoku that older adults are familiar with will likely make it more enjoyable.
The rules are simple: read out the singer’s name and have players pick the corresponding song title.
You can also switch it up by reading the song title and having them choose the singer, or by playing the intro and letting them choose—those variations should be a hit too!
[For Seniors] January Activities and Recreation Games (21–30)
Ema making
Speaking of New Year’s, the first shrine visit comes to mind, doesn’t it? But with the big crowds and the cold, many older people may find it hard to go outside.
This ema-making activity is something you can enjoy in a warm room.
You can make an ema for someone, or handcraft one yourself—it’s fun either way.
Once your ema is ready, write your resolutions, goals, or things you want to do this year! By writing your resolutions and goals on the ema with a forward-looking mindset, you can feel motivated to live a healthy and enjoyable life from here on out.
Give it a try together and have fun making them!
