Activities perfect for July for seniors: Introducing games and recreational options
When it comes to July traditions, Tanabata immediately comes to mind.
How about incorporating Tanabata-themed activities as a way to enjoy July? There are plenty of lively ideas, such as games inspired by Orihime and Hikoboshi and star-toss games.
In addition to games, we also introduce craft projects like bamboo decorations and tanzaku wish strips.
Working together on Tanabata-themed activities and crafts will warm everyone’s hearts.
Spend a joyful summer moment full of smiles together with older adults.
Tanabata Recreation (1–10)
Star Toss Showdown
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.
Tanabata game
There’s also the legend that on Tanabata, Orihime and Hikoboshi, separated by the Milky Way, are able to meet just once a year.
Here’s a game inspired by the story of Orihime and Hikoboshi.
Use a vinyl cord to create the Milky Way on the floor.
Players take the role of Hikoboshi and toss beanbags toward Orihime, who is placed at the end of the vinyl cord.
Place Orihime the farthest away; if a beanbag reaches her spot, the player gets the highest score.
You can make it even more exciting by setting up sections between the Milky Way and Orihime that award small points or result in a miss.
It’s a game that seems likely to foster interaction among participants, including older adults.
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 ring-toss style activity where players throw star-shaped paper pieces into a box or basket to compete for points.
Decorating the boxes adds a Tanabata feel.
It can be played while seated, making it easy for older adults to enjoy.
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.
Wish Upon a Star Game
Speaking of big events in July, Tanabata is a must, and the story of Orihime and Hikoboshi separated by the Milky Way is an essential element.
This is an easy-to-understand game that focuses on the day when Orihime and Hikoboshi cross the Milky Way to reunite, where you make Hikoboshi run toward Orihime.
Place Hikoboshi on a wheeled platform and send him toward Orihime, who is positioned on the far side of the river field.
If he reaches Orihime, you get the highest score; there are also points placed along the way, so the goal is to aim for a high score by making use of those as well.
Long time no see.
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.
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.