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[For Seniors] March-Themed Event Activities
In this article, we introduce March events and recreational activities for seniors!
March is full of occasions like Hinamatsuri (Girls’ Day) and White Day.
Elderly care facilities such as day services often hold a variety of events every month.
Of course, classic recreational activities are fun, but these ideas are also recommended when you want to change things up a bit and try something different.
Many of them can be enjoyed at home as well, so please feel free to incorporate them.
[For Seniors] March-Themed Event Activities (1–10)
Shell-matching (traditional Japanese shell pairing game)
Kai-awase, known as a traditional Japanese game since the Heian period, uses pairs of clam shells; no two shells share the exact same shape, so a matching pair is considered a correct match.
Traditionally, kai-awase employs hamaguri clam shells with maki-e lacquer paintings on the inside, but why not try making a version with construction paper or cardstock? Since hamaguri clams are closely associated with Hinamatsuri (Girls’ Day), kai-awase is a perfect game for the celebration.
It’s enjoyable for all ages, making it a great activity for families to play together, including with grandchildren.
Recommended Exercises for March
March is when the cold gradually eases, but many of us may have become homebodies during the winter chill.
This exercise is highly recommended in such cases.
First, do marching in place with varying intensity—strong and weak—to train the sensation in your feet.
Next, open whatever you can—your eyes, mouth, etc.—as wide as possible, then squeeze them shut to stimulate muscle activation.
Then march again, but this time turn it into brain training by combining two or more actions: for example, while marching, find five red items around you, repeat rock–paper–scissors hand shapes, or alternately raise your thumb and little finger.
It’s perfect for activating both body and brain and getting ready to welcome spring, so give it a try!
Hinamatsuri Quiz
Hinamatsuri is an essential event even at senior care facilities.
It’s customary to celebrate in grand style with cake and special dishes.
When it comes to activities that make the Hinamatsuri event fun, a Hinamatsuri quiz is a great choice.
Through this quiz, seniors might learn new facts about Hinamatsuri they didn’t know before.
Hinamatsuri is an event held to wish for children’s healthy growth, but for example, many people may not know the correct order of the colors when stacking hishi mochi.
There are plenty of tidbits you can rediscover about Hinamatsuri, so please enjoy the quiz together with everyone.
Ohinasama Okoshi
Let me introduce a fun game where you use 10 beanbags and throw them at arranged targets! Set up the targets in rows of four in front, then three, then two, and place Hina dolls at the two spots in the very back.
The front row is worth 10 points, the middle row 30 points, and hitting a Hina doll earns a high score of 50 points! It’s enjoyable even with gentle throws, so everyone can take part according to their own strength.
Compete for points individually, or play in teams and aim for the highest total score—either way, it’s sure to be exciting.
Enjoy a Hinamatsuri filled with everyone’s smiles!
Hinamatsuri beanbag toss game
When it comes to recreational activities that are sure to liven up a Hinamatsuri event, this Hinamatsuri beanbag toss game is a top choice.
It’s fun for everyone, and because it’s a points-based game, it also sparks a healthy sense of competition.
If you prepare small prizes as well, older adults will enjoy it even more.
First, set up the Emperor and Empress, the three court ladies, and the five musicians.
Place baskets or cups at each position and label them with point values.
Then start the game.
Since beanbags are light and easy to throw, this is an activity that older adults can enjoy casually and comfortably.
tea party
One of the real pleasures of a tea gathering is being able to feel the changing seasons.
It’s lovely to savor spring-themed wagashi sweets together with matcha, isn’t it? In March, why not try whisking tea for Hinamatsuri (Girls’ Day) or during the equinoctial week (Ohigan)? Even among older adults, there probably aren’t many who enjoy matcha in their daily lives, so consider including it in your March events! You could invite a tea instructor and host a formal tea ceremony, but it might be just as nice to keep it casual and have staff whisk the matcha.
Don’t worry too much about strict etiquette—let’s simply enjoy the matcha, the wagashi, and some good conversation.
Making chirashi-sushi cake
This is a “Chirashi Sushi Cake,” perfect for Hinamatsuri events.
Some older adults may have made chirashi sushi at home in the past, right? Making it at the facility might bring back memories of sharing it with family.
It’s an activity where people can enjoy the process too—chatting and reminiscing with others as they make it.
For this chirashi sushi, vinegared rice is pressed into a round cake mold.
Some seniors may find the steps a bit confusing at first.
But by arranging the ingredients on top like cake decorations, you’ll create a festive, beautiful chirashi sushi.
It’s a chirashi sushi cake that’s perfect for Hinamatsuri.
