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] 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] Refresh Your Mood! Lively, Get-Moving Games
- [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 (21–30)
Tanabata Decorations: Sputtering Edition
It would be wonderful to incorporate spattering into Tanabata decorations.
Spattering is a technique where you create effects by flicking paint.
The problem is that paint tends to splatter everywhere, right? Here’s a simple way to spatter precisely where you need it.
Take a milk carton cut in half and make four slits.
Insert straws flattened on both ends into the slits, and you’re done.
Then move a paint-loaded brush between the paper straws to do the spattering.
Once you spatter it to look like the Milky Way, it’s complete.
Tanabata Wreath Made with Origami
Let me introduce a cute Tanabata wreath you can make with origami.
Create eight identical parts from origami paper, then glue them together, connecting them to form a wreath.
Once you’ve shaped the whole wreath, fold some bamboo leaves and attach them to the wreath.
When attaching the bamboo leaves, adjust their orientation to give the wreath a more three-dimensional, dynamic look.
Adding stars or little Orihime and Hikoboshi decorations can also give it a unique, adorable touch.
Give making a Tanabata wreath a try!
Tanabata wall decoration-making
In July, as summer gradually comes into full swing, Tanabata arrives—a major event with a strong, romantic image of gazing up at the sky.
How about decorating your interior to evoke the starry sky of Tanabata and heighten the excitement for the occasion? The key element is the Milky Way, which is especially important in the folklore surrounding the festival.
Make an origami Milky Way the centerpiece, and then adorn the surrounding area with various motifs.
It’s fun that the choice of colors and motifs lets the creator’s personality shine through.
The “I want to meet Princess Orihime” game
Here’s a game themed on Hikoboshi and Orihime, who are allowed to meet only on the night of Tanabata.
Attach an illustration of Hikoboshi to a ball.
Tie a string to the ball, and also tie the other end of the string to a baton or a tube.
Wind the string around the baton or tube to reel the ball closer to yourself.
Of course, attach an illustration of Orihime to yourself.
Whoever brings the ball with Hikoboshi’s illustration to Orihime first wins.
It should be exciting as a team competition, too.
Let’s make Orihime and Hikoboshi.
Working with one’s hands can help invigorate the minds and bodies of older adults.
By sharpening tactile senses and concentrating on the task, it provides beneficial stimulation to the brain.
Creating seasonal decorations to display in the entryway or room—and even giving them to family members—will likely be appreciated.
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?