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.
- [For Seniors] July Events: Recommended Recreation Ideas for Senior Facilities
- [For Seniors] Simple Recreational Activities You Can Enjoy While Seated
- [For Seniors] Enjoy July! Easy and Fun Snack Activities
- [For Seniors] Enjoy and Beat the Summer Heat! July Craft Ideas
- [For Seniors] Refresh Your Mood! Lively, Get-Moving Games
- [For Seniors] Enjoy Summer to the Fullest! Fun Summer-Only Activities Introduced
- [For Seniors] Summer Haiku: Ideas to Feel the Season
- [For Seniors] Simple Tabletop Games: Fun and Engaging Recreational Activities
- [For Seniors] Recreations to Experience in August
- [For Seniors] June-Themed Activities: Recommended Recreation and Game Collection
- [For Seniors] Fun Activities That Liven Up Cool Evening Festivals and Summer Festivals
- [For Seniors] Fun Brain Training! Lively Whiteboard Activities
- [For Seniors] Exciting Team-Based Recreational Activities
Tanabata Recreation (11–20)
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!
Tanabata decorations
Many of you probably enjoyed decorating bamboo branches for Tanabata when you were children.
For older adults as well, making Tanabata ornaments and paper twists (koyori) and decorating with them is a valuable recreational activity that lets them savor the season.
Create a lovely Tanabata display while keeping the overall balance in mind, and enjoy the Tanabata festivities.
And how about a tea time while admiring the finished decorations?
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.
handheld fireworks
Fireworks are one of the things that evoke summertime—the vivid dance of flames really highlights the season’s fun, doesn’t it? Among them, how about enjoying that summer feeling with handheld fireworks you can easily get? Each person holding one and searching for a beautiful angle enhances not only the fun but also your focus on what’s in your hands.
There are many types, each with different ways the sparks appear, so it’s also fun to find your favorite among them.
Tanabata Hand Game & Quiz
Tanabata is a traditional event that arrives in early July.
It’s often told alongside its legend and carries a romantic image.
With a hand-play activity inspired by the Tanabata story and the starry night sky, let’s fully embrace the atmosphere of the event.
The key is to move your hands while singing.
Having a song makes the hand movements easier to understand and helps you engage your whole body.
If you also include a quiz about what Tanabata is, it can be a good workout for the mind as well as the body.
Four types of Tanabata decorations
Tanabata, also affectionately known among young people as Summer Valentine’s Day.
No matter how old you are, it’s always delightful to write your wishes on tanzaku paper strips.
How about making a large Tanabata bamboo decoration together this year? The streamers topped with cute pom-poms are easier to make than you might think.
For the pom-pom parts, make tissue-paper flowers; for the tentacle-like streamers, accordion-fold paper and snip it with scissors.
Then just fluff everything up and assemble.
For the flying-saucer-shaped ornament, use a toilet paper roll as the core.
Using glittery colored paper will give it a more glamorous look.
It would be wonderful if everyone at the facility or day service could create a big bamboo decoration together.
Snack Recreation (1–10)
flowing somen (nagashi-somen)
When hot days continue, it can be hard to decide what to make for dinner—and many people probably feel the same.
That’s where somen noodles, perfect for the summer heat, come in.
Plenty of households find themselves saying, “Let’s have somen” during the summer.
They’re delicious eaten the usual way, but catching the flowing noodles and bringing them to your mouth makes them taste even better.
How about trying nagashi-somen as a snack-time activity? You might see smiles you don’t usually get to see!