Lovely senior life

[For Seniors] January Activities and Recreation Games

Work experience in a hospital as a physical therapistNakamū
I worked as a physical therapist at a general hospital for about four years. I’ve supported a wide range of patients, from those needing emergency rehabilitation to those doing rehabilitation at home at a comfortable pace. As a writer, I’d be happy to share health-related information with many people. Thank you, and I look forward to working with you!
Care Worker Initial Training Certification ObtainedNakajima Junko
Leveraging my experience working as a care worker at a day service, I am currently active as a writer in the caregiving and welfare fields. Beyond writing, I hope to expand my work into web design and illustration. I am a mother of three who has begun studying to become a certified social worker.

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 (11–20)

Paper cup kendama

Recreation for Seniors – It’s Challenging! That’s Why It’s a Huge Hit When You Nail It! Paper Cup Kendama

Paper cup kendama

As a fun New Year’s activity, I recommend the “paper cup kendama.” Kendama has long been a popular game among children, so many of you have probably played it before.

Let’s make a kendama using paper cups and a colored ball! You’ll also need cardboard and string.

You can get everything at a 100-yen shop.

Attach paper cups to a long piece of cardboard and tie on the string.

Then attach a colored ball to the end of the string, and your paper cup kendama is complete.

There’s also a variation using paper plates for those who find the paper cup version difficult, so be sure to check that out.

It’s easy to make and won’t hurt even if it hits you, making it perfect for recreational activities in senior facilities.

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mochi pounding

[Mochi Pounding] This is what New Year’s is all about! #shorts #elderly #mochipounding #recreation We held a mochi-pounding event at Yukkuri Group Home Machida and welcomed a wonderful New Year!

mochi pounding

When it comes to New Year’s traditions, mochi pounding definitely comes to mind.

Many older adults probably remember enjoying mochi pounding at home when they were young.

Why not recreate that experience as a recreation activity by preparing a mortar and pestle? Get everything ready in advance and start the activity from the mochi-pounding itself.

Since it requires physical strength, it’s important for staff to provide support throughout.

Please be extra careful to prevent falls and choking.

Let’s incorporate a mochi-pounding event as a recreation idea—fun to do and delicious to eat.

It’s sure to be a joyful time filled with smiles.

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January Trivia Quiz

[For senior facilities: Quiz and brain training] A new year has begun again! Please take on the January trivia quiz together!!! We appreciate your continued support for Donguri Matsuri this year as well!!!

January Trivia Quiz

It’s a quiz that covers a wide range of January-specific topics, including New Year’s events, customs, and history.

Because the questions are drawn from diverse themes, you naturally encounter bits of knowledge you might feel you know but actually don’t.

The simple question format makes it easy to jump in, and getting an answer right is satisfying, while even a wrong answer rewards you with fun trivia.

If you play with family or friends, the answers spark conversation and make it enjoyable across generations.

It’s well-balanced content that’s easy to enjoy at the start of the New Year and offers learning value, too.

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New Year’s Quiz

[For Senior Facilities • Brain Training • Quiz] Everyone, give it a try! New Year’s Quiz ⭐ 8 Questions ⭐ Recommended for exercise breaks or between activities ⭐

New Year's Quiz

How about a New Year quiz that’s perfect for activities in senior facilities in January? This video features a variety of quiz questions related to January.

Even seniors with a wealth of knowledge might encounter something new! Brain training can help improve cognitive function and may help prevent dementia.

Individual matches can get exciting, but turning it into a team competition is also recommended, as it encourages communication among participants.

Enjoy brain training and put it to good use for dementia prevention!

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Perfect rhythm exercises you can do while seated, ideal for New Year’s and Setsubun

A simple-choreography [Children’s Song Exercise Medley]: rhythm exercises for seniors/older adults that provide a full-body workout while seated. Perfect for the New Year and Setsubun bean-throwing season!

Perfect rhythm exercises you can do while seated, ideal for New Year’s and Setsubun

Watch “Perfect rhythm exercises you can do while seated, ideal for New Year’s and Setsubun” on YouTube

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.

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