[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 Recreation Activities for Senior Facilities (31–40)
Handmade planetarium
When it comes to major events in July, Tanabata comes to mind, and I think the starry sky is an essential element of its story.
How about trying your hand at a handmade planetarium that evokes the spirit of Tanabata by focusing on the night sky? Instead of projecting onto the ceiling—which would require looking up and could be hard on the body—you can project constellations onto a tabletop.
Simply draw constellations on paper and shine a light on them in a darkened room, and you can create a convincing atmosphere of constellations floating in the night sky.
Tanabata wall decoration-making
In July, as summer gradually gets into full swing, Tanabata arrives—a major event with a strong romantic image of gazing up at the sky.
How about decorating your interior with a starry-sky theme inspired by Tanabata to heighten the festive mood even more? The most important element in the story behind the festival is the Milky Way.
Make this Milky Way out of origami as the centerpiece, and decorate around it with various motifs.
It’s fun that the choice of colors and motifs lets each creator express their individuality.
Song Exercise: Festival Mambo
The key is dancing with a uchiwa fan! Here are some ideas for a sing-along exercise to “Omatsuri Mambo.” In summer, many of us use uchiwa fans to beat the heat, right? This time, let’s move our bodies and exercise to Hibari Misora’s “Omatsuri Mambo.” The video shows choreography you can copy either standing or sitting, so give it a try.
Using a uchiwa fan makes the movements look more striking!
Song Exercise Festival
Enjoy it even while seated! Here are ideas for a sing-and-exercise routine to the song “Matsuri.” When you think of summer festivals or evening cool-down festivals, many people imagine Bon Odori, right? This time, let’s move our bodies to the famous song “Matsuri” by the legendary Saburo Kitajima.
The video introduces ideas for movements you can do while sitting! Even subtle motions will loosen up your body if you do them properly—no doubt about it! Sing, dance, and make fun memories.
decorative photo frame
Of course, there are plenty of summer-themed activities, and with family visiting during Obon, July and August are full of fun events.
That also means more chances to take photos.
So here’s an idea I’d like to share: decorated photo frames.
It’s a simple idea where you decorate photo frames purchased from 100-yen shops.
Using seashells and sand gives them a summery, beach-inspired vibe.
It’s perfect for preserving your summer memories.
[For Seniors] July Events: Recommended Recreational Activities for Elderly Care Facilities (41–50)
barbecue
The charcoal crackles, the meat sizzles, and the smell is mouthwatering! Why not use the facility’s open space to host a barbecue party? It’s the perfect recreation for the milder seasons.
Since you’ll be using fire, it’s best for staff to handle the grilling and pass the food to the older adults.
Also, consider sunshades or tarps for heatstroke prevention.
Along with vegetables and meat, grilling rice balls or marshmallows is highly recommended!
radio calisthenics
When it’s hot, it’s hard to find the motivation to exercise, right? But if you don’t move at all, you might lose even more stamina to get through the summer.
So let’s all do some Radio Taiso together! You can do it anytime, but first thing in the morning, right after you wake up, is recommended.
If you search on YouTube or other video sites, you’ll find lots of different Radio Taiso videos.
You could try switching it up—upper body focus today, lower body focus tomorrow—to keep things fresh and avoid getting bored!