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Lovely senior life

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.

Snack Recreation (11–20)

Pineapple kanten (agar jelly)

Pineapple Kanten: How to Make Kanten with Pineapple
Pineapple kanten (agar jelly)

Why not try making agar jelly using canned pineapple? Put sugar and the syrup from the can into a bowl, and divide the pineapple pieces among serving dishes.

Add powdered agar to the bowl with the sugar and syrup, pour in boiling water, and stir thoroughly.

Pour the agar mixture into the dishes with the pineapple, and once it has cooled slightly, chill in the refrigerator until set.

Since you’re using canned fruit, it’s easy to make—one of the best parts.

Summer can dampen your appetite, but this chilled, sweet pineapple agar jelly is sure to whet it.

Chilled Milk Mochi

Only 3 ingredients! How to make chilled milk mochi | #milk #milkmochi #snack #easyrecipe #ChefYukari #shorts
Chilled Milk Mochi

Here’s how to make chilled milk mochi.

Prepare potato starch (katakuriko), milk, sugar, a bowl, a pot, and a food storage container.

Put the potato starch and sugar into the pot and mix well.

Next, gradually add the milk, letting it blend in, and cook over low to medium heat, stirring constantly.

When the milk mixture thickens to a custardy consistency, reduce to low heat and continue heating for 2 minutes while stirring well.

Transfer the milk mochi to a food storage container whose inside has been moistened with water, then place the entire container in an ice-water bath for about 30 minutes to cool to room temperature.

Cover the milk mochi with plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 hours to set.

It’s also great served with fruit.

Assign roles and have staff provide support so everyone can participate and enjoy the activity together.

Melon cream soda

How to make a melon cream soda at a café.
Melon cream soda

Melon cream soda is loved by people of all ages.

Many of you probably enjoyed it at restaurants when you were kids.

How about making it as a snack-time activity? It might even bring back some nostalgic feelings.

The process has just the right level of complexity, so even those who enjoy making sweets should feel satisfied.

Try decorating it with a cherry if you like, and have fun with it.

Using a retro-style glass would also help set the mood.

Tanabata Warabi Mochi

Tanabata Sweets: Warabi Mochi Recipe and Cooking Video – How to Make Warabi Mochi, a Japanese Confectionery
Tanabata Warabi Mochi

How about featuring warabi mochi as a snack activity? It’s a sweet that’s popular even with younger generations—drinking warabi mochi is trending—and it’s also a familiar traditional confection that dates back to the Edo period, making it well-known among seniors.

Its jiggly, chewy texture is perfect for hot summer days when appetites tend to drop.

For a Tanabata theme, you can add shaved ice syrup to the batter or top it with star-shaped fruit to set the mood.

For toppings, pick your favorites—whipped cream, ice cream, and more—and enjoy making it your own.

soft mizu-yokan (soft water yokan jelly)

Soft Mizuyokan: How to Make Care Food – Yamagata City [Yunicia]
soft mizu-yokan (soft water yokan jelly)

Let’s try making a classic summer treat—mizuyokan (chilled red bean jelly)—by hand during our snack activity! With its cool, gentle sweetness, mizuyokan is perfect not only for summer but also for the damp humidity of the rainy season, offering a light and refreshing snack.

It may seem difficult, but it’s very easy if you use store-bought smooth red bean paste (koshian).

Add powdered agar to water, heat it, and dissolve it thoroughly.

Then add the koshian and mix well until there are no lumps, pour it into a container, and let it set—that’s it.

It sets at room temperature, so even those who don’t like very cold foods can enjoy it.

Snack Recreation (21–30)

Shaved ice making

Nagomi no Sato Kabe Day Service Center, Asakita Ward, Hiroshima City - Summer Evening Festival
Shaved ice making

When the weather gets hot, you start craving something cold, don’t you? At times like that, how about making shaved ice? With an electric shaved ice machine that shaves ice at the push of a button, even those with less strength can easily shave ice.

Your fingertip feel is important when operating the button, so adjust as you go while watching how much ice is being shaved.

Pour your favorite syrup on top and enjoy it together with everyone.

Indoor Recreation & Games (1–10)

Fireworks game

Fireworks Game!! Day Service Recreation
Fireworks game

In this game, tape the bottom of a deep paper plate firmly to the floor with duct tape, then fill it with ping-pong balls arranged like a firework burst.

Throw beanbags you prepared at the paper plate, and whoever knocks the most firework-like ping-pong balls out wins.

Cheer the person who knocks out the most balls with a hearty “Tamaya!” Because beanbags are soft, they’re safe to use even for rehabilitation purposes.

Set either a number of throws or a time limit and play head-to-head to make it even more exciting.