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Lovely senior life

[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.

[For Seniors] Enjoy March: Activities, Games, Crafts, Music, and Snack Recreation (101–110)

Hinamatsuri Wreath Made from Paper Plates

Let’s make an easy Hinamatsuri-themed wall craft using paper plates in our arts-and-crafts activity.
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!

Hina dolls made with paper plates

[Hinamatsuri Craft] Hina dolls using two paper plates ♪ DIY “hina dolls” with paper plates ♪
Hina dolls made with paper plates

Instead of just admiring Hina dolls as usual, why not try making your own this year? All you need are paper plates, origami paper, and tissue paper flowers.

Cut a paper plate in half, cover each half with Japanese-patterned origami, and fold them—voilà, you’ve got the kimono for the Empress and Emperor dolls! Attach faces made from colored construction paper, and add tissue paper pom-poms so they peek out from under the kimono.

Finally, stick everything onto a paper plate as a backing and add a ribbon so it can hang, and you’re done.

They’ll look great displayed at your facility, but many people may want to take them home to decorate as well.

Everyone shares their Hina Matsuri memories

Ms. Miyuki’s memories of the Doll Festival
Everyone shares their Hina Matsuri memories

When it comes to events that represent March, the Hina Matsuri (Girls’ Day) comes to mind.

Although it’s a festival for girls, men likely have their own family memories too, like enjoying delicious food.

How about everyone sharing those stories together? It’s fun both to have others listen to your experiences and to hear about unique customs in other households.

You might even discover that what your own family did wasn’t the standard after all—and that kind of realization can make the conversation lively and enjoyable.

Making sweets for White Day

[Senior Recreation] Rec Artisan Series Part 200: “Easy Microwave! Ice Cream Cupcakes”
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.

Sakura Mochi Making

How to Make Sakura Mochi – A Useful Recipe
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!