[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 (21–30)
Song and Dance Exercise ‘Happy Hinamatsuri’
Singing exercises that combine light movements while singing.
Since it’s March, let’s try a routine focusing on hand gestures to the song “Ureshii Hinamatsuri.” Even though we call it exercise, you can do it seated in a chair, so there’s no need to worry about falling.
Making your movements bigger will increase the workout, too! Please enjoy it together with everyone.
Butterfly, land on the flower.
When you spot a butterfly, it really feels like spring has arrived, doesn’t it? The way they flutter about is so cute and soothing.
In this article, we’ll introduce a recreation activity that uses butterflies.
First, treat paper plates as flowers and decorate them with origami or markers, then write point values in the center of each plate.
Use a fan to blow the butterflies, and if you land one on a plate, you earn the points written on it.
Moving the fan exercises the hands while also training concentration.
It sounds like it would be great fun and lively whether played individually or in teams.
We hope everyone enjoys a wonderful time with this recreation activity.
[For Seniors] Activities to Enjoy March: Games, Crafts, Music, and Snack Recreations (31–40)
A ‘Listen Carefully’ game to distinguish between two words
It’s a game where several people say different words at the same time, and the others try to distinguish what they’re hearing.
For example, two people might simultaneously say the words “ichigo” (strawberry) and “mikan” (mandarin orange).
The team then discusses whether they could make them out and what was said, and tries to give the correct answers.
It seems like good training for both the ears and the brain.
If it’s too difficult, try adjusting the number of speakers or having them speak at a slower tempo.
Hinamatsuri Quiz
Quizzes are loved by everyone from children to adults.
How about trying a trivia quiz related to Hinamatsuri? Let’s have fun with a variety of questions about the history of Hinamatsuri, how to display the dolls, and traditional seasonal foods.
These days, there are even apps that provide questions, so using them could broaden the range of your quiz topics!
Race with the motion of putting on shoes!
A race that mimics the motion of putting on shoes is perfect for exercising the feet! Participants place a cardboard piece, assembled to fit the foot, over their toes and compete to see how quickly they can scoop up balls and transfer them to the neighboring container.
You can keep your shoes on or take them off—either is fine.
When the everyday action of “putting on shoes” becomes difficult, it can be a major source of stress for older adults.
By creating more opportunities to move the feet in a playful, game-like way—not as formal training—you can help them move more comfortably and gradually prevent disruptions to daily life.
Making ohagi (sweet rice balls) for the spring equinox
Speaking of spring, it’s all about the equinox, and when it’s the equinox, it’s all about ohagi, right? How about we all make and eat ohagi together? There are various theories about why we eat botamochi and ohagi during the equinox, but it’s said to be a custom of offering them to our ancestors because the red color of azuki beans is believed to ward off evil spirits.
Let’s prepare glutinous rice, sweet red bean paste, and kinako, divide up the tasks, and make them assembly-line style while having fun together.
Ohagi is delicious—but when you make it yourself, it’s even more delicious!
Short Story: The Hina Doll Family
How about a recreation activity where people share and listen to short stories? Since it’s March, we’re introducing a little tale about Hina dolls, in keeping with the season.
I suspect that, while many might feel they know the Hina doll family, there are probably more people who actually don’t.
Some parts sound like gossip, but that may be exactly what makes it lively and engaging.