[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 Activities (21–30)
Hinamatsuri cosplay by staff
Staff members transform into Hina dolls and have fun! This is a “serious Hinamatsuri” recreation activity.
It might be nice to dress up as the Emperor and Empress, and depending on the number of people, as the three court ladies or the five musicians.
When the staff make their entrance, the venue fills with smiles.
Coming out a little shyly is also part of the fun.
Try lining up like a real tiered Hina display, or let the participants decide the order—both are recommended.
Taking photos together will make for a wonderful, memorable day.
Enjoy Hinamatsuri together in a warm, friendly atmosphere.
White Day Fun Trivia Quiz
March 14 is White Day.
How about enjoying some trivia related to White Day with older adults? Some seniors may have given or received chocolates on Valentine’s Day, and some are excited to spend White Day in March.
Let’s make this lovely event even more fun with a trivia quiz.
It’s said that each White Day return gift carries its own meaning.
You can create trivia questions with a bit of creativity, such as about the origins of White Day.
Enjoy a delightful time with interesting trivia!
a walk
In March, it gradually starts to feel like spring, and there are more and more days when you can feel the warmth, right? Warm days like that are perfect for a stroll.
And I’m sure all of you will slowly start feeling a stronger urge to go outside.
How about bundling up and going out for a walk? Even if you can’t walk long distances, just stepping outside to see the wildflowers beginning to bloom here and there or the swelling buds will surely warm your heart.
As you feel the arrival of spring, I’m sure conversations will start to flow.
Spring Wild Edibles Quiz
March is the season when lots of spring mountain vegetables start to appear, isn’t it? They can be a bit strong in flavor, so many people may have disliked them as children but grown to appreciate their taste as adults.
How about having some fun by making a quiz about these wild vegetables? From varieties that foodies know to ones you can find at the supermarket, you can learn the names of many kinds! Try getting people to guess the names from photos of the vegetables, or identify which mountain vegetables are used from pictures of dishes—get creative with the questions.
Learning about the origins of their names together could make it even more exciting.
theater
March 27 is World Theatre Day, established by the International Theatre Institute of UNESCO.
It’s meant to encourage people to think about world peace and culture through theatre.
To help older adults learn about this day, why not include a theatre outing in your March recreational activities? You could invite a local theatre troupe for a full-scale performance, or, if possible, have staff put on a homemade play—both would be wonderful! A recreation that’s different from the usual also stimulates the brain and can be very effective.
Easy botamochi made with a rice cooker
In March, there is a long-standing Japanese event called the spring equinox (Haru Higan).
This time, we’d like to introduce botamochi, which you can make in a rice cooker to mark the occasion.
You can make three kinds at once: kinako (roasted soybean flour), sesame, and sweet red bean paste.
You’ll cook glutinous rice in the rice cooker, but you’ll cook regular white rice together with it.
Doing so is said to keep the botamochi from hardening over time.
There are lots of tips for making it easily and deliciously, even by hand.
Some older adults may have made botamochi to offer during Higan in the past.
It’s a great March activity that’s likely to spark fond memories as you cook.
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!