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For Seniors: Festive Attractions to Liven Up Festivals—Games and Recreational Activities

We’re introducing games and recreational activities recommended for festivals at senior care facilities.

There are plenty of attractions that can be enjoyed while seated so that older adults can participate comfortably.

Activities like “goldfish scooping,” “target shooting,” and “lucky string pull” may bring back memories of festivals enjoyed in childhood.

Festivals are exciting events for both adults and children.

They can also spark communication with people you don’t usually interact with.

Use this article as a guide to plan a festival that allows seniors to have fun safely.

[For Seniors] Festive Attractions to Liven Up a Festival: Games and Recreational Activities (51–60)

Bowling

On hot days, indoor play is the way to go☆ Plastic Bottle Bowling
Bowling

Let’s enjoy bowling using plastic bottles! Prepare empty plastic bottles and put a little water inside, then wrap colored construction paper around them.

Make them in various colors.

Use them as pins and try to knock them down.

The amount of water changes the difficulty—more water makes them harder to topple.

Have fun by adjusting the water levels and the length of the lane.

Using plastic bottles of different sizes will make it even more exciting!

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Takoyaki

Asakita Ward, Kameyama, day service, cooking club, takoyaki
Takoyaki

Speaking of festivals, takoyaki is one of the most iconic foods, isn’t it? Making and eating takoyaki together really heightens the festive mood.

The takoyaki griddle—so common in Kansai households that it’s no exaggeration to say everyone has one—can be easily purchased at electronics retailers or variety shops.

Chatting away while making takoyaki together also helps strengthen the bonds between participants.

utatane
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Cotton candy making

[Japanese Food Stall] Cotton Candy [Festival]
Cotton candy making

Many older adults probably remember eating cotton candy when they went to summer festivals as children! You’ll also see food stalls labeled “watagashi.” At summer festivals, it’s common to have the vendor make it for you.

But if you’re holding a summer festival at home or in a care facility, why not try making it yourself? Many people probably wanted to try it at least once when they were kids.

Nowadays, there are cotton candy machines that even children can use easily, so it’s simple to give it a try.

Be sure to take precautions so that older adults can enjoy it safely.

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In conclusion

We introduced games and recreational activities that liven up festivals at senior care facilities—what did you think? Since many of them can be done while seated, people who use wheelchairs can enjoy them with ease.

Some older adults may give up on going to festivals because of the crowds, but festivals are one of the beloved traditions of summer that we want everyone to enjoy.

The great thing about holding a festival at a facility is that participants can join at a relaxed pace.

Let’s recall our childhoods and have a great time together!