[For Seniors] Activities to Enjoy March: Games, Crafts, Music, and Snack Recreation
March, when it gradually gets warmer, is a season that lifts our spirits as we feel the signs of spring.
Why not incorporate seasonal activities into recreational programs to enjoy with older adults? We’ve gathered ideas full of seasonal flair—from games and crafts themed around spring icons like cherry blossoms, butterflies, and bamboo shoots, to snack-time activities that spark the appetite with sweet aromas, and even music sessions that make you want to move.
Many can be done while seated or prepared with familiar, easy-to-get materials, so be sure to try them in your daily recreation programs.
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[For Seniors] Activities to Enjoy March: Games, Crafts, Music, and Snack Recreation (61–70)
Tulip
Here is an introduction to a calendar themed around tulips, which come into full bloom around March.
Tulips have a distinctive rounded shape and vibrant colors.
A calendar made with tulips crafted from origami or construction paper may hold each senior’s personal thoughts and feelings.
Looking at a cute, self-made tulip calendar can bring joy and a sense of satisfaction.
Displaying it in one’s room might even make it feel as if spring has arrived indoors.
Shoo Away Game
Let’s play a fun game using balls made from crumpled paper.
It’s called the “Shoo-It-Away Game.” Crumple up sheets of paper or newspaper into balls and place them in a horizontal line in the center of the table.
Before you start, put a strip of tape across the middle of the table to mark the center line.
This tape divides the table into your side and your opponent’s side.
When the game begins, use your hands to push the paper balls into your opponent’s territory on the opposite side.
The rules are simple, but it sounds like it could get exciting.
If you make the paper balls pink, they’ll look like cherry blossoms—perfect for an April game.
It also encourages conversation among participants and can help promote communication among older adults.
Strawberry Quiz
When it comes to fruits that evoke spring, strawberries come to mind.
These days you can find them in supermarkets even in winter, but strawberries are originally in season in spring.
Because they’re sweet and often used in desserts, some older adults may be fond of them as well.
A quiz about strawberries—an iconic spring fruit that’s familiar to older adults—would likely get everyone excited.
Through the quiz, you’ll also have the chance to learn surprising facts about strawberries.
It can be a fun way for older adults to discover things they didn’t know about strawberries.
Enjoy a delightful time with a strawberry quiz!
Goldfish Game
At festival stalls, there’s usually a goldfish scooping game, right? Besides scooping, here’s a fun game that uses goldfish as the theme.
Two people hold the ends of a face towel, and place a goldfish plushie or a crafted goldfish on the towel.
While shaking the towel, they toss the goldfish into a basket that’s been set up in advance.
Assign points based on the size of the basket and the distance to the basket.
This innovative goldfish game should be enjoyable for older adults as well.
It also seems like it would be exciting to play as teams.
Easy Hina Dolls with a Topsy-Tail Twist
These are Hina dolls made using fabric tape that you can even buy at 100-yen shops.
You create them by sticking washi-patterned fabric tape onto another piece of fabric, so there’s no need for needles—making it safe for seniors as well.
After layering the fabrics, make a slit and then flip the piece inside out with a quick twist.
Once flipped, the head and neck area will take shape.
Use craft supplies or origami paper to make the face and small accessories, and attach them to the fabric you prepared.
You’ll end up with simple Hina dolls that have a refined, mature feel.
It’s a project you can enjoy even after making it, by taking it home and displaying it in your room.
Hinamatsuri beanbag toss game
When it comes to lively activities for a Hina Matsuri (Doll Festival) event, this Hina Matsuri beanbag toss game is a great choice.
Not only can everyone enjoy it together, but the scoring system also sparks a sense of competition.
Preparing prizes will make it even more fun for older adults.
First, set up the Emperor and Empress dolls, the three court ladies, and the five musicians.
Place baskets or cups at each spot and label them with point values, then start the game.
Since beanbags are light and easy to throw, it’s a game that older adults can enjoy casually.
Hinamatsuri Exercise
Here’s an introduction to a seated exercise that’s perfect for March.
Let’s move our legs and arms to the tune of the children’s song “Ureshii Hinamatsuri.” This exercise is expected to improve blood circulation and help reduce swelling.
Many older adults have probably heard or sung “Ureshii Hinamatsuri” at least once, right? Using a familiar song makes it easier to get started.
Some of the moves also match the imagery of the lyrics, which makes them easy to remember and helps the body move more naturally.
It’s fine to wait until you’re comfortable, but try doing the exercises while singing along.