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)
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 Recreation (31–40)
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.
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.
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!
Making jelly
Many people may find it difficult to cook for themselves.
You might also worry about things like fires or burns.
But with jelly, there’s no need for heat—just melt and set—so it’s safe for older adults as well.
Experiencing the joy of making and eating something yourself can inspire a positive attitude and make you wonder what to create next.
Watermelon splitting
Perfect for summer activities! Here are some fun watermelon-smashing ideas.
Many of you might have fond memories of getting excited over watermelon smashing in summer.
It’s a great recommendation for summer recreation, whether you have a small or large group.
Start by letting participants touch the watermelon to experience its chill and weight.
After that, hold a watermelon-smashing contest, adjusting difficulty with blindfolds and assistance according to participants’ needs.
We also recommend decorating the room with inflatable rings and blue tarps to create a summery atmosphere.