[For Seniors] July Events: Recommended Recreation Ideas for Senior Facilities

Star Toss Showdown

Asakita Ward, Hiroshima City - Medical & Nursing Care - Day Service - Tanabata Games (July 4, 2017)

If you’re looking for a Tanabata-themed recreation activity for seniors, how about “Star Flick Battle”? In this game, you place many star-shaped paper cutouts on a table and use uchiwa fans to blow them toward the opponent’s side.

The team that gets the most stars into the other side’s territory wins.

It’s a seated activity, so it’s also reassuringly safe.

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Saitō Ayumu

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Long time no see.

Tanabata Festival at Nagomi-no-Sato Kabe Day Service Center, Asakita Ward, Hiroshima City

This recreation activity called “Ohisashiburine” is a game based on the Tanabata tale of Orihime and Hikoboshi.

A picture of Orihime and Hikoboshi is attached to a water-filled plastic bottle, then placed on top of a uchiwa (Japanese hand fan).

A string is tied to the fan, and the other end of the string is wound around a stick or similar object and gradually wound to bring it closer.

Because it’s easy to enjoy while seated, it’s recommended as a recreation activity for older adults.

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Saitō Ayumu

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Snack activity: Tanabata jelly

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On July 2, we made Tanabata jelly during our cooking activity. The blue and white contrast is incredibly cute, and the cool, refreshing jelly lifts my spirits even while I'm plating it.Elderly care facilityTranslation#WelfareCaregiver#IWantToBeOnTheRecommendationsRecreationElderlyTanabata#Caregiver'sDailyLife#HealingTsukuba Cityjelly#HandmadeSnackssnack

♬ Lucky Pool – Judy & Mary

In July, there’s an event called Tanabata.

Tanabata features legends about the Milky Way, Hikoboshi, and Orihime—stars and constellations that shine in the night sky.

Let’s try making a jelly inspired by Tanabata.

For the night sky, we’ll make a jelly using Blue Hawaii shaved ice syrup.

For the stars, it might be nice to add pieces of cut fruit.

Put the set jelly and fruit into cups, and it’s done.

Since it can be made while sitting at a table, many older adults should be able to participate.

Working together may also spark conversations with the people around you.

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Nakajima Junko

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Japanese taiko drum

We held a summer festival. #nursingCare #nursingHome #careFacility #recreation #rec #elderly #summerFestival #coolingFestival

If you want to liven up a summer festival, a “wadaiko” (Japanese drum) performance is highly recommended! The powerful sound of the drums fills the venue with excitement and spreads smiles to everyone watching.

One of the charms is that you can enjoy Bon Odori along with the drum rhythms, and even those who aren’t confident about dancing will find their bodies moving naturally when they hear the familiar beat.

Drumming together, dancing together, and getting excited together will become the best memory of the summer festival.

Give this idea a try to create a lively, energetic summer moment!

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kojifumi

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Music therapy-based recreation

Music therapy recreation ~ Festivals, Bon Odori, and folk songs ~ [For day-service care facilities and at-home preventive care] Tankō-bushi, Donpan-bushi, Tokyo Ondo, Dekansho-bushi

The “musical recreation” held as part of the summer festival adds a comforting pause amid the lively atmosphere.

From seasonal children’s songs like “Umi” and “Ware wa Umi no Ko” to familiar folk tunes such as “Tanko-bushi,” “Tokyo Ondo,” and “Donpan-bushi,” the program is filled with songs everyone has sung at least once.

Nostalgia naturally brings out voices and handclaps, creating a sense of unity throughout the venue.

It’s also a lovely moment when memories bubble up—like, “I used to sing this a lot as a child.” In addition to singing, gently moving your body or incorporating simple instruments makes it even more enjoyable.

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kojifumi

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Yo-yo fishing

Yo-yo fishing

Here’s an idea for “yo-yo fishing,” perfect for summertime recreation.

In this simple game, you hook and lift colorful water balloons floating in a tub using a hook instead of a fishing hook.

It helps stimulate upper-limb movement—from fingers to shoulders—as well as concentration.

It’s also appealing because anyone can enjoy it safely, whether standing or seated.

Beyond the joy of a successful catch, it’s sure to spark lively conversations with other participants watching.

This popular activity lets you enjoy the nostalgic atmosphere of a traditional summer festival and is ideal for creating summer memories.

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kojifumi

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Tanabata decorations

Okayama City Day Service Tanabata Decorations Functional Training Recreation

Here’s an introduction to Tanabata decorations recommended for July recreation.

Use origami or construction paper cut into rectangles to make tanzaku (wish strips) and hang them on bamboo.

You can also make classic Tanabata decorations like paper chains from origami, or mesh-style garlands that look like the Milky Way.

It might be nice to craft Tanabata-themed ornaments, as well as Orihime and Hikoboshi, and display them too.

While making the Tanabata decorations, some older adults may reminisce about their past Tanabata memories.

It sounds like it will spark lively and enjoyable conversations.

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Nakajima Junko

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