[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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Activities to Enjoy March for Seniors: Games, Crafts, Music, and Snack Recreation (91–100)
Sign Language Together: “A Gift Without a Stamp”
When you hear “sign language,” it sounds difficult, doesn’t it? But couldn’t you at least imitate it? Set to the song “A Present Without a Stamp,” we match simple sign language to it like a hand play song.
This way, it seems doable while just copying along, right? It’s an activity I’d love to try with other songs too.
Marshmallow Arrangement Recipes
How about making a dessert with marshmallows? You can enjoy the fluffy texture, and it’s fun to make together in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere.
Just warm them with chocolate in the microwave and you’ll have an easy treat in no time.
It’s not too sweet, so it’s perfect for older adults as well.
Since it’s so simple, you can whip it up quickly even if guests drop by unexpectedly.
It would also make a lovely return gift for White Day.
Let’s all have fun making it together.
Once it’s done, enjoy the rich aroma of chocolate and the fluffy texture of the marshmallows.
Hinamatsuri exercises you can do while seated
Seated Hinamatsuri exercises make a perfect recreational activity for older adults.
Stretching your arms to pleasant songs becomes a very enjoyable form of exercise.
Moving your body to the rhythm of the music will invigorate both your mood and your body.
It’s wonderful that people who use wheelchairs can easily take part as well.
It’s ideal for the Hinamatsuri season and also promotes health.
Let’s refresh ourselves by moving our bodies while having fun together with other participants and staff.
It looks like it will be a cheerful, friendly time for everyone.
Plum Blossoms Made with Origami
Plum blossoms are one of the flowers that are at their best in March.
Let’s try folding an origami plum so we can enjoy the feeling of the season.
Since plum blossoms have five petals, fold the origami paper and cut it to make a pentagon.
Then fold it into the shape of plum petals and use scissors to refine the form.
There are some intricate steps, but for seniors who enjoy origami, it’s a very rewarding project.
If any seniors find it difficult, please support them by folding together, and so on.
The finished piece has many uses—you can attach it to a wreath or display it on the wall.
By the way, cherry and peach blossoms, which bloom around the same time, also have five petals, so you can adapt this plum origami to make those as well.
Instrument performance
How about enjoying a group music session together? Some people may feel they’re not good with instruments, but let’s try participating with instruments you can play one-handed, like tambourines or handbells.
Using your hands and fingers through instruments helps activate the brain, and it’s a fun activity that gives a sense of accomplishment, so I recommend it.
Hinamatsuri Wreath Made from Paper Plates
This wall decoration is perfect for Hinamatsuri, featuring a cute pair of the Empress and Emperor nestled together in a ring.
Cut out the center of a paper plate to make a wreath shape, then decorate it with origami paper and more.
Punch a hole and thread a string through it so it can be hung.
Cut the removed center piece in half, paste washi-patterned origami paper on each half, then fold them to form the Empress’s and Emperor’s kimonos.
Finally, add their faces and attach them so they sit in the middle of the wreath, and you’re done!
Onigiri Concentration
Spring is coming and spirits are lifting—and nothing says outing season like a bento.
When it comes to picnics and hikes, many of us immediately think of onigiri, right? Here’s a game that uses onigiri fillings: Onigiri Concentration.
Prepare cards illustrated with different onigiri fillings, lay them face down, and flip them over to find matches—if the fillings are the same, it’s a hit.
It’s an easy, visually intuitive twist on the classic memory game.
It’s also a great way to spark conversation about everyone’s favorite onigiri fillings.
You can even play a memory-training variant where everyone first looks at all the card positions before they’re turned face down.