[For Seniors] Enjoy May! Recommended Recreational Activities and Games
May is full of events, isn’t it?
Did you know that in addition to Children’s Day and Mother’s Day, there are also days like Makeup Day and Hyakunin Isshu Day?
In this article, we’ll introduce May-themed recreational activities and games for seniors.
It’s perfect for those thinking, “What should we do for May activities?”
With the warm weather, why not enjoy recreation not only indoors but also outdoors?
These activities will enrich the minds and bodies of older adults.
Let’s savor the feeling of the season in May through these recreational ideas.
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[For Seniors] Enjoy May! Recommended Recreational Activities and Games (11–20)
Hyakunin Isshu
May 27 is Hyakunin Isshu Day.
It’s a great opportunity, so I’d like to introduce it.
It is said that this date marks the creation of the first Hyakunin Isshu, because Fujiwara no Teika—a court noble and poet active from the Heian period to the early Kamakura period—selected representative poems by 100 poets from collections such as the Kokin Wakashu and the Shin Kokin Wakashu.
While it’s commonly played like a card game (karuta), it’s actually quite profound.
As you memorize the verses, locate the card being read, and snatch it, your mind is rapidly cycling through comprehension, thinking, judgment, and action.
It also works well as brain training and can be enjoyed by multiple people, so it’s recommended as a recreational activity in senior care facilities.
Koinobori Fishing Game
A koi-nobori fishing game where you reel in koi-nobori! After all, koi-nobori were originally fish—so let’s catch them! You can use a wooden puzzle-like set, but how about making one with thick paper or cardboard? Attach magnets to the mouth of each koi-nobori and to the tip of the fishing rod.
Make lots of koi-nobori in different sizes, big and small!
Carnation made with origami
No matter how old you are, receiving a bouquet of flowers is always delightful, isn’t it? In honor of Mother’s Day in May, how about making a bouquet of carnations out of origami? Carnations are characterized by their soft petals with fluttery, frilled edges.
Try crumpling the origami paper for the carnation flowers first, then cutting it with pinking shears.
Using pinking shears will give the cut edges a zigzag finish.
Use about four sheets of origami petals to create each carnation flower.
Make the stem and leaves from construction paper and attach the carnation blossom to complete it.
If you make several carnations and arrange them into a bouquet, you’ll have a truly lovely piece.
Older adults may also find themselves reminiscing about Mother’s Day as they craft their carnations.
Koinobori and kashiwa mochi
When you think of May, carp streamers come to mind, right? For a May snack activity, how about adorable carp streamer–style kashiwa mochi? Put joshinko (rice flour) and water in a bowl and stir with chopsticks until no dry flour remains, then loosely cover with plastic wrap and microwave for 5 minutes and 30 seconds.
Soak the kashiwa leaves in water.
Place the warmed dough on parchment paper and knead it.
Since the dough tends to stick to your hands, kneading it on parchment paper is a great idea! Roll sweet red bean paste inside a long, thin strip of dough, then use a little water-thinned bean paste to draw the eyes and scales, and you’re done.
These super cute carp streamer kashiwa mochi are a must-try—give them a go!
Poodle Arrangement
May has Mother’s Day.
Some older adults may have received carnations or given them as gifts.
Here is a craft using tissue paper with a carnation theme.
Fold the tissue paper in an accordion style, bundle it, and you’ll make a carnation.
You can also arrange the tissue paper carnation into the shape of a poodle.
It’s a cute project that older adults are likely to enjoy as they make it.
Working while seated in a chair, they may also find it sparks conversation and helps build connections with those around them.
Let’s sing the May song.
The warm season of May puts you in a buoyant mood, doesn’t it? At times like that, be sure to sing some May songs to feel even brighter.
In May, there are classic Children’s Day songs like “Koinobori” and “Sekurabe.” Many older adults know these children’s songs, so open your mouth wide, sing out loud, and boost your energy! By the way, did you know there’s also a song that uses the kanji for koi, titled “Koi-nobori” (鯉のぼり)? It’s another cheerful tune that’s perfect for the season, so please give it a try! In fact, seniors might be even more familiar with it.
[For Seniors] Enjoy May! Recommended Recreational Activities and Games (21–30)
koinobori rocket
How far can we make a koinobori fly? Let’s try making a koinobori rocket! With just a toilet paper roll and a plastic wrap core, you can easily make it using items you already have at home.
The toilet paper roll becomes the koinobori, and the longer plastic wrap core serves as the launch pad.
While carefully crafting the koinobori, you can also decorate the launch pad with colored paper or stickers!