[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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- 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 (21–30)
New Year’s holiday quiz
When it comes to the year-end and New Year period, there’s the year-end wrap-up at work, a big cleanup, and then right away the New Year—Oshogatsu—arrives.
This quiz gathers questions related to that festive season.
The formats vary—multiple-choice, true-or-false, and more—but since you can simply choose answers, people of all ages can enjoy it.
It also teaches the meanings and origins of things like the zodiac, New Year’s decorations, and osechi cuisine, making it educational and a great opportunity to rediscover Japanese traditions.
Ultra-difficult Spot the Difference: Winter Winter Sports Special
Compare the two pictures and find all the differences.
There are four stages—Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced, and Challenge—so it’s perfect for testing your skills.
As you go, keep count of how many differences you can spot in each puzzle.
Your rank will be determined by the number you find: Ordinary, Master, Superhuman… So, which rank did you get? All the illustrations shown have a wintry theme, so enjoy the quiz while getting a feel for the season.
[For Seniors] January Activities and Recreation Games (31–40)
New Year’s Games Quiz
It’s a simple and friendly quiz where you look at pictures of traditional games and guess their names.
The charm lies in rediscovering nostalgic New Year’s games while enjoying trivia and fun facts related to the season.
It’s easy for people of all ages to join in, and it can spark conversations like, “I want to play this!” This content delivers moments of shared smiles with family and friends, letting you savor the unique atmosphere of the New Year.
How about kicking off the new year on a light note with traditional games and a quiz?
Trivia quiz about hatsumode (the first shrine visit of the New Year)
This quiz lets you enjoy learning various facts about hatsumode, the traditional New Year’s shrine visit.
It highlights that customs we often follow without much thought—such as etiquette at a shrine or the meanings of protective amulets—actually carry deep history and heartfelt wishes.
Presented in a quiz format, it’s not too difficult, and your understanding naturally deepens as you answer.
Getting answers right is satisfying, and even when you’re wrong, you’ll enjoy the “I see!” moments as your knowledge grows.
It’s suitable for all ages, and taking on the challenge with family or friends is sure to spark lively conversation.
Foot-stepping kite flying
Let’s try a kite-lifting foot-stepping game that also works your lower body.
Attach a kite-shaped piece of construction paper to a long piece of yarn.
You can’t see the back structure in the video, but it likely uses the same mechanism as a “climbing figure,” so use a straw or similar parts to build it.
Once the kite is attached, make loops at both ends of the yarn and, while seated, place your feet through the loops.
Hook the middle of the yarn onto a high point, and the game begins! As you step your feet, friction will make the kite rise upward.
Set a time limit or play with multiple people to see who comes out on top.
New Year’s gift envelope game
When you think of New Year’s, many people think of otoshidama (New Year’s money), right? The Otoshidama Toss Game is a recreation you can enjoy during the New Year.
The rules are simple: toss beanbags into paper cups labeled with different amounts of otoshidama.
You can enjoy it even while seated.
Because the game also involves doing calculations, it makes for good brain training for older adults! Offering a prize to the person who collects the most otoshidama could make it even more exciting.
menko (a traditional Japanese card-and-coin-flipping game)
It’s a game where you make “giant menko” out of paper and compete for points.
Traditionally, you flip your opponent’s menko, but for seniors let’s tweak the rules to make it easier to play.
Create 3D scoring targets using cardboard and other materials.
Here’s the key point: make the menko quite large using cardboard.
The game is decided by the total points from where your menko lands after you throw it onto the scoring areas.
It’s also fine to knock your opponent’s menko off with your own.
It seems like something you could enjoy with young grandchildren too, and it should be a lot of fun.
Give it a try!
