[For Seniors] July Events: Recommended Recreation Ideas for Senior Facilities
July is when the feeling of summer really ramps up.
When planning recreational activities during hotter weather, it’s important to pay close attention to heat precautions and the health management of older adults.
To avoid the heat, people tend to spend more time in cool indoor spaces.
At times like these, you’ll want to offer recreation that doesn’t feel monotonous.
Try incorporating a variety of activities themed around July events such as Tanabata, Marine Day, and the Day of the Ox (Doyo no Ushi no Hi).
Please use this article as a reference for planning July events at senior care facilities.
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[For Seniors] July Events: Recommended Recreational Activities for Elderly Care Facilities (41–50)
Making a windsock
If you’re looking for a summer-themed activity for seniors, we recommend making “streamers” (fukinagashi).
These vividly colored streamers, displayed on Tanabata (the Star Festival), give off a cool, refreshing vibe.
With origami paper, scissors, and glue, anyone can try it easily.
Whether someone is good at origami or not, working together can spark communication.
The activity can be done slowly while seated, so seniors can enjoy it safely.
Prepare colorful origami paper and be sure to display your creations on Tanabata!
summer festival
Summer festivals are special events that bring back joyful memories for older adults.
Wearing yukata or jinbei and enjoying activities like goldfish scooping or ring toss may remind them of the festivals from their youth.
It’s also a great idea to recreate the atmosphere of food stalls and prepare games everyone can enjoy.
With some thoughtful adjustments to make it easy for seniors to participate, you can create a wonderful festival filled with smiles.
A summer festival where people can feel the season and spend enjoyable time together will surely bring joy to their hearts.
Let’s cross the Milky Way! Game
This is a group activity where participants work in pairs to pass a ball across a vinyl sheet representing the Milky Way, using two sticks to prevent it from falling.
There are balls of various sizes, and once they reach the other side of the river, they spread the sticks apart to drop the ball into a box below to score, which requires fine motor adjustments.
Using both the head and hands to make these adjustments contributes to rehabilitation.
Incorporating seasonal recreation also has the benefit of helping participants feel the sense of the season more closely.
Star Toss Game
Since July 7 is Tanabata, a recommended activity for those looking for a Tanabata-themed recreation for seniors is the “Star Toss Game.” This game is a recreational activity where participants throw star-shaped paper pieces into boxes or baskets, similar to ring toss, and compete for points.
Decorating the boxes can add a Tanabata feel.
Of course, it can be played while seated, making it easy for older adults to enjoy.
Let’s write our wishes on tanzaku
Many of you probably wrote wishes on tanzaku strips and decorated bamboo branches when you were children.
As adults, we don’t often get such opportunities.
Even just writing your wishes on a tanzaku is very helpful for dexterity and brain activity.
You can also enjoy drawing illustrations on the tanzaku and adding decorations with origami.
Moreover, doing this in facilities or day-service centers can foster communication among participants as they discuss what wishes to write.