[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] Enjoy March: Activities, Games, Crafts, Music, and Snack Recreation (101–110)
Making sweets for White Day
You only need ice cream and pancake mix! For White Day—which tends to be forgotten—why not try making easy cupcakes? First, put ice cream in a mug or similar container and microwave it until completely melted.
If you use a popsicle-style ice cream, you can stir it as-is with the stick, which is recommended.
Once the ice cream is melted, add pancake mix and stir, then just microwave it to finish! Decorate with whipped cream and fruit, and enjoy a White Day snack time with everyone.
Peach blossom ornament
Peach blossoms bloom in beautiful pale pink around late March.
Even if you want to go for a walk to see them, many people may find it hard to go out because March often has chilly days.
For those people, we recommend this “Small Peach Blossom Decoration.” It requires only a few materials, making it perfect for craft activities with seniors.
Prepare white, pink, and light green colored sand, artificial flowers, and a clear container—all of which you can buy at a 100-yen shop.
Then, layer the colored sand in the container in order.
The color scheme, like hishi-mochi, looks very cute.
Insert the artificial flowers, tie a string, and it’s done.
This peach blossom decoration will warm the hearts of those who see it, letting you feel the arrival of spring even while indoors.
Sakura Mochi Making
Sakura mochi is a springtime Japanese sweet made by wrapping rice cakes in salt-pickled cherry leaves.
The salty cherry leaves paired with the sweet mochi make it perfect to serve with tea! Many older adults love traditional wagashi, too.
So why not try making sakura mochi by hand for a March event or recreation activity? You can even make it easily in a microwave, so beginners can do it with no trouble! Preparing the salt-pickled cherry leaves from fresh leaves can be a bit of work, but since it’s a special occasion, we hope the facility staff can prepare them.
Homemade wagashi is sure to taste absolutely amazing!
theater appreciation
March 27 is apparently World Theatre Day! Many of you may remember watching performances by local theatre troupes that visited your kindergarten or elementary school.
Theatre, with its live, immersive atmosphere, is also a great recreational activity for older adults.
Inviting a local troupe is wonderful, of course, but a homemade production by facility staff could be just as exciting.
The program could be a familiar period drama style for seniors, or something more classical like Shakespeare.
Aim for content that’s easy for older adults to follow, and give it a try!
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.
In conclusion
Activities that capture the unique seasonal feel of March are appealing because they let you sense the arrival of spring even while indoors. There are many ways to enjoy them, from active games to crafts and music-based recreation. Find activities that allow each older adult to participate with a smile, and spend warm, heartwarming moments as spring arrives.