[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)
Tanabata Quiz
When it comes to indoor activities that still feel summery, “Tanabata Quiz” is a great choice.
It brings the July highlight of Tanabata closer to everyone, so it’s highly recommended.
Prepare several questions related to Tanabata and present them on paper or on a screen.
Adding a time limit turns it into brain exercise and gives participants the thrill of wondering whether they can answer in time.
It’s also nice to give a prize to the person with the most correct answers.
Older adults can join in easily, so give it a try!
Tanabata Magic
For a Tanabata recreation activity, how about some Tanabata-themed magic tricks? One involves an illustration of bamboo leaves placed in an envelope that transforms, with just a snap of the fingers, into a picture of bamboo decorated with many ornaments.
This is easy to do by using a double-layered envelope and taking the picture out from the other side.
Another trick uses paper cups with Orihime and Hikoboshi drawn on them: when you pour water into the cup, the water disappears and, instead, paper streamers keep coming out.
This can be easily done by using a polymer absorbent like the kind used in disposable diapers.
Chorus: We Are Children of the Sea
Using your voice is not only great for relieving stress, but it also greatly helps improve cardiorespiratory function.
Take deep breaths and sing children’s songs or beautiful Japanese songs together in unison, and you’ll enjoy all kinds of benefits, including better sleep.
Even if you feel shy about vocalizing alone, singing with others will surely be fun.
If you’re more advanced, try challenging yourself with two-part or three-part harmonies.
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.
