[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] Activities to Enjoy March: Games, Crafts, Music, and Snack Recreation
- [For Seniors] Hinamatsuri Recreation: Fun Ideas for Games, Crafts, and Snack Making
- For Seniors: Recommended Wall Decoration Ideas for March
- For Seniors: Come, Spring! Recommended March Craft Ideas for Daycare Services
- [For Seniors] Fun Spring Recreational Activities: A Collection of Games and Play Ideas
- Entertainment and Performances That Delight at Day Services for the Elderly
- [For Seniors] Haiku for March: Enjoying a Spring Moment with Famous Verses
- [For Seniors] Fun Recreational Activities Without Equipment
- [For Seniors] Making a March Calendar: Introducing Spring-Themed Motifs and Arrangements
- [For Seniors] Liven Up Cherry-Blossom Viewing! Fun Games and Recreational Activities
- [For Seniors] Brighten Up Hinamatsuri: Wall Decoration Ideas
- [For Seniors] Spring Haiku. Spring Activity
- For Seniors: Games and Recreational Activities to Enjoy in April
[For Seniors] March-themed Event & Recreation Ideas (11–20)
Hishimochi Tower Game
Here’s a perfect game for Hinamatsuri (Girls’ Day): the Hishi Mochi Tower Game.
It’s an easy, sit-at-the-table activity, so it’s recommended for seniors.
Cut thick paper in “pink,” “white,” and “green” into strips and form rectangles.
You can also repurpose empty milk cartons.
Once they’re ready, stack them like a tower, alternating colors.
If your hishi-mochi tower falls, you lose.
By the way, the colors of hishi mochi are said to symbolize: pink for peach blossoms, white for snow, and green for fresh greenery.
It might be nice to stack them in that order, too.
Since preparation is simple, give it a try for Hinamatsuri!
Hinamatsuri Café
March 3 is Hinamatsuri, also known as the Peach Festival, a day to celebrate and pray for girls’ healthy growth and happiness.
While hina-arare (colorful rice crackers) are commonly eaten for Hinamatsuri, how about enjoying a buffet-style Hinamatsuri café this year? Just seeing an array of colorful sweets lined up is enough to lift your spirits.
Choosing your favorites from so many varieties is fun, and it’s sure to spark lively conversation like, “This is delicious!” and “This one’s great too!” Please enjoy a delicious Hinamatsuri!
Hina Doll Rearrangement Game
The Hina Doll rearrangement game is a delightful recreation that evokes a sense of nostalgia.
Working in pairs, participants cooperate to skillfully arrange paper-cup Hina dolls.
It’s charming because it lets you enjoy a traditional atmosphere in a new way.
The task of lining up the dolls in order can also help stimulate the brain.
It seems like a wonderful time where you can reminisce with fond memories while engaging your mind.
Why not try it together with older adults and have fun as you work on it?
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 Party
When enjoying recreation in a large group, such as at a day service, how about hosting a Hinamatsuri (Girls’ Day) party? It would be exciting for everyone to dress up as the Emperor and Empress dolls, the three court ladies, and the five musicians, and recreate a realistic tiered display together.
Dancing to songs related to Hinamatsuri or holding a quiz competition also sounds fun.
Preparing snacks like dango for everyone to share is a great idea, too.
Here’s hoping your Hinamatsuri party is lots of fun and becomes a cherished memory!
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.
[For Seniors] March-Themed Event Activities (21–30)
Ring Relay
As March arrives, there are days when you can feel the warmth, but there are also days with big temperature swings.
On those days, let’s have fun indoors with a “ring relay.” Use paper or toilet paper rolls to make rings in large, medium, and small sizes, then pass them along to the next person by threading them onto a pair of chopsticks.
It works well as a small-group game, and it’s also fun as a team competition with a larger group.
Through the relay, you’ll naturally interact with those around you and promote communication.
Since you can play while seated, it’s easy for older adults to join in, too.
Enjoy your time!