[For Seniors] Recommended Events for May: A Roundup of Ideas That Get Everyone Engaged
May is a refreshing season that makes your heart feel light.
As the weather warms up, it becomes easier to hold events at facilities and similar venues.
It’s also a time when older adults may feel like trying new things, isn’t it?
With that in mind, we’re introducing recommended May events for seniors.
We selected activities designed so that even those who find it difficult to move around can still enjoy themselves.
May features many events and observances, such as Golden Week, Children’s Day (Tango no Sekku), and Mother’s Day.
There are also interesting commemorative days that make event planning fun, like “Makeup Day” and “Hyakunin Isshu Day.”
Through these events, seniors within the same facility can communicate more and deepen their connections.
We hope everyone enjoys them together.
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- [For Seniors] May Calendar Craft: Motifs that color May, such as Children's Day (Tango no Sekku), Mother's Day, and seasonal flowers
- [For Seniors] Introducing trivia related to May!
- For Seniors: Snacks to Make in May That Capture the Season
[For Seniors] Recommended Events in May: A Collection of Ideas That Will Liven Things Up (11–20)
Koinobori Exercises
This is the “Koinobori Exercise,” a set of movements done to the children’s song Koinobori.
It’s designed so that even those with weak legs can do it while seated, making it safe and enjoyable for many older adults.
Of course, you can do it standing as well.
Exercising to seasonally themed music is fun, isn’t it? We often feel reluctant to get moving, but doing exercises together is enjoyable, and you’ll feel refreshed and invigorated afterward! Please enjoy a fun time with this familiar Koinobori song exercise for older adults.
Tea Picking Rec
From late April to early May is said to be the season for picking the first tea leaves.
Some older adults may enjoy fresh new tea.
For a May activity, how about a recreation set to the children’s song “Chatsumi” (Tea Picking)? Place long, thin strips of newspaper in a box and use sticks to scoop them up as if picking tea leaves.
Having older adults help cut the newspapers into long strips also provides fine motor training for their fingertips.
Doing this while singing or listening to “Chatsumi” can help them feel the season.
Finger training for rice planting
May, considered the start of summer, is the season for rice planting and sowing, making it an important time for farmers.
With a recreation activity themed around rice planting, let’s enjoy the seasonal atmosphere while giving the brain a solid workout.
Tear newspaper by hand into thin strips to represent rice seedlings, and use plastic bottles as rice paddies.
Insert the thin newspaper strips into the bottles as if you were planting rice.
Pay attention to finger movements as you work—such as rolling the tip into a fine point with your fingertips and considering the angle for insertion.
Support the plastic bottle with one hand and insert the newspaper with the other; switching hands midway will further enhance the brain-training effect.
Picture letter of May
Etegami postcards are wonderful, aren’t they? Have you ever tried drawing one? Some people shy away, thinking they lack artistic talent or that it seems difficult, but these days there are plenty of tutorial videos and guidebooks.
The beauty of etegami is that even if it’s not perfect, your feelings still come through.
Why not draw one for someone you haven’t seen in a while or someone you want to thank? Your feelings will surely be conveyed, and they’ll be delighted.
Children’s Day Quiz
How about a quiz contest themed around one of May’s seasonal events, Children’s Day? May 5 is an old traditional holiday also known as Tango no Sekku.
We often picture carp streamers swimming in the sky, but what else do people do for it? You might find yourself thinking, “Now that you mention it…” Questions about the kanji for “Tango no Sekku” or about the order of the carp streamers could be pretty challenging.
You can find plenty of material that could become quiz questions with just a quick online search, so definitely look into it!
Picnic
As an idea for enjoying May, how about going on a picnic together? You might think picnics are mainly for families with small children, but they’re fun for everyone, regardless of age or location.
The only thing to worry about is the weather, right? Pack a bento or some snacks and drinks, and head out.
Store-bought is perfectly fine—food tastes amazing outdoors! And don’t forget a picnic blanket! With more warm days in May, why not give it a try?
[For Seniors] Recommended May Events: A Roundup of Fun, Crowd-Pleasing Ideas (21–30)
makeup
Some people aren’t good at makeup, some rarely do it, some always wear the same style, and some are incredibly skilled—there’s all kinds, right? We don’t often get the chance to have someone else do our makeup, either.
I heard May 9 is Makeup Day.
How about a May recreation where someone skilled does your makeup? Sometimes colors or techniques you think don’t suit you actually look amazing.
You might even discover a new you! There are tons of makeup videos these days too, so feel free to use them for reference.