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
Indoor Recreation & Games (1–10)
Eel Fishing Game
This “eel fishing game” can be played while seated, so it’s recommended as a recreation activity for older adults.
All you need is newspaper.
Cut the newspaper into thin strips to resemble eels, and the person who uses a thin stick to “fish” them all out of a box the fastest wins.
Getting the last remaining strip out is surprisingly difficult and requires fine motor control.
Competing with others keeps people engaged and moving their hands, making it a good option for hand rehabilitation as well.
Treasure Fishing
Let’s host a summer festival that gets participants’ hearts racing with excitement! Here’s an idea for a Treasure Fishing game.
When you think of a summer festival, many people imagine food stalls, right? This time, let’s try a treasure fishing challenge where you use a hook attached to a string to aim for and lift the ring attached to a prize.
The treasures can include snacks, drinks, tumblers, and small goods.
It’s fine to put them in transparent bags so the contents are visible, but setting them up in wrapping paper or paper bags so the contents are hidden could be fun too.
Be sure to give it a try!
Indoor Recreation and Games (11–20)
Goldfish scooping
Summer festivals are an essential part of summer in Japan, and many people have experienced goldfish scooping there.
This game is inspired by that: you compete to see who can skillfully scoop up goldfish-shaped mascots.
Normally, the scooping tool (poi) has paper attached, but by deliberately leaving out the paper, it tests your technique in how you use the frame itself.
If you randomize the mascots’ shapes and weights, players will focus more on speed and scooping technique, which should make the game even more exciting.
Bug-catching game
This is a game you can play at a table without vigorous physical movement, so it’s recommended for all older adults.
First, prepare cards on the table with drawings of various kinds of insects.
Participants compete to catch the most insects, but since you catch them with a butterfly net, there’s a rule that you can only catch “winged insects.” Because you have to choose which insects to catch, it also serves as a brain exercise.
The net has a magnet and the cards have clips embedded, so you can conveniently catch an insect just by touching the card with the net.
Balloon scooping
Here’s a very simple and easy activity that still requires balance and really gets everyone excited: Balloon Scooping.
You know the small water balloons used for yo-yo fishing at summer festivals? For Balloon Scooping, use those balloons, but inflate them without water.
Place about 10 balloons on a flat surface like a table, set a box next to them, and use a handheld fan (uchiwa) to scoop up the balloons and put them into the box.
How many seconds will it take to get all the balloons in? The balloons float and wobble, making them hard to scoop—which makes the game even more fun.
Strikeout
Strikeout is a game where you throw balls at numbered targets.
Besides being expected to help with arm exercise, strikeout is also said to strengthen the core.
By training the core, your body’s balance becomes more stable, which can help prevent falls.
It’s a game where you knock down numbered targets, letting you have fun while getting a workout.
Because it’s a lively game that can be enjoyed in large groups, it also seems likely to deepen interaction with other participants.
It could also be fun to make the targets with illustrations or photos instead of numbers.
movie watching
For many older adults, there may not be many opportunities to go out to the movie theater.
That’s why being able to watch films at a day service center, for example, is very much appreciated by visitors.
Compared to television, movies with subtitles make it easier to follow the story, so it seems they can enjoy watching more.