[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: Enjoying March Activities — Games, Crafts, Music, and Snack Recreation (71–80)
Plastic Bottle Bowling
Back in the late 1960s and early 1970s, bowling was hugely popular in Japan.
It’s said there were more than 3,500 bowling alleys nationwide, and bowling TV programs were very well received.
Let’s enjoy a bowling game that’s sure to spark nostalgic conversation.
Line up several plastic bottles on a table and have older adults roll a ball at them.
Since it’s a seated bowling activity, it’s suitable for people who have difficulty standing or who use wheelchairs.
With calls like “So close!” and “Strike!” the room is sure to take on 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!
ball toss (traditional Japanese beanbag/ball-throwing game)
Tamaire, the ball-toss game often seen at school sports festivals.
Some older adults may have taken part in sports days and played tamaire in the past.
Here’s a perfect tamaire activity for a warm April day to get the body moving.
Because it’s a familiar game, it can help older adults refresh their mood and relieve stress.
Have participants sit in chairs and place a basket in the center.
Prepare red, white, and other colored balls, and have the participants throw them into the basket.
The person who gets the most balls in the basket wins.
Throwing with the arms and shoulders also provides upper-body exercise.
Dropping Colored Balls
We would like to introduce a color ball drop activity for pairs.
Have two older adults sit facing each other, each holding two sticks by their tips.
Place baskets labeled with colors between them.
Roll balls along the sticks and drop each ball into the basket with the matching color label.
This game emphasizes cooperation between the two participants.
Encourage them to communicate and synchronize their movements.
It’s a fun activity that can spark conversation and help expand social connections.
Ring Relay
As March comes around, there are days when you can feel the warmth, but there are also days with big temperature swings.
At times like that, let’s have some fun indoors with a “ring relay.” Use paper or toilet paper rolls to make rings in large, medium, and small sizes, and pass them along to the next person by threading them onto 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, which can help promote communication.
Since it can be done while seated, it’s likely easy for older adults to join in too.
Enjoy your time!
Simple recipe for making ohagi (sweet rice balls)
Making ohagi can be a really fun group activity.
If you use a rice cooker, it’s surprisingly easy.
While enjoying that old-fashioned flavor, you might even find yourselves reminiscing.
It’s also great to play around with toppings like chunky sweet red bean paste or kinako (roasted soybean flour).
The process is a blast when everyone makes them together, and sharing the finished ohagi is extra special.
They’re perfect for the spring equinoctial week, so give it a try with friends or family.
You’re sure to have a warm, heartwarming time.
Goldfish scooping
Since March 3 is Goldfish Day, how about getting into a festive fair mood and having everyone enjoy a round of goldfish scooping? That said, we won’t be scooping real goldfish—instead, we’ll make goldfish substitutes along with scoops and buckets to play with.
You can easily make the goldfish using colored cellophane, and the scoops and buckets from recycled materials like plastic bottles.
