[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 Recreations and Games (41–50)
Makimaki Apple Game
As a recreation activity for day-service centers and other senior facilities, we propose the “Maki-Maki Apple Game”! First, place paper apple cutouts on a sheet of construction paper and stick them down.
Set them a short distance away, then use a clear tape that connects the stick to the paper; wind the tape by turning the stick to roll it up and draw the apples toward yourself.
It should be very exciting when several people compete! By starting with the crafting step, participants can experience both making and playing.
Please give it a try together and have fun!
[For Seniors] Enjoy May! Recommended Recreations and Games (51–60)
Strikeout
Strikeout is a game where you throw balls at numbered targets.
Besides being expected to benefit arm exercise, strikeout is also said to help strengthen your core.
By training your core, you improve body balance, which can help prevent falls.
It’s a game where you can enjoy yourself while getting a workout by knocking down the numbered targets.
A key attraction is that you can play it indoors and have a lively time with a large group.
How about making targets not with numbers, but with illustrations or photos related to May events?
A game where you make parody versions of the song Tulips
This activity involves taking the lyrics of Tulips, a classic spring children’s song, dividing them into blocks by character count, and then changing the words in each block.
Which part each person is responsible for is determined by a game using a target marked with numbers, and from there, participants come up with words that match the specified character count.
As long as the number matches, any words are acceptable; however, if you have everyone think of words with a spring theme, it should help them focus more deeply on the language.
Once all the blocks are filled, everyone sings the new lyrics together and checks whether the sound and flow feel pleasant.
mini-golf
May brings many warm days, but some of us still end up spending a lot of time indoors.
So this time, we’d like to introduce an indoor putting golf game.
All you need are a cardboard box and a ball.
Open up the cardboard and cut several holes of different sizes, then write point values next to them.
If you make larger holes worth fewer points and smaller holes worth more, it adds strategy and makes the game more exciting.
Once you place the cardboard on the floor, just roll the ball as you would in golf.
You can use a racket, or even a cane you’re comfortable with.
With simple preparation, it’s fun even for small groups and is also great for improving concentration.
Gift-stuffing game
It’s a game where players compete to see how many presents they can stuff into their bags within a time limit, using the gifts laid out on a table.
When pushing the presents in, they should apply force—while also easing up enough not to tear the bag—so it encourages mindful control of strength.
To keep the focus from being only on the simple act of stuffing, make the presents colorful so the visuals are fun too.
It’s also a good idea to randomize the sizes and shapes of the presents, adding an element of judgment about which ones to put in the bag.
ball rec
Recreation using soft, lightweight balls is recommended for older adults.
Throwing and catching the ball engages various physical and sensory abilities such as muscle strength, grip strength, and dynamic visual acuity.
Simply touching balls that can be rolled or squeezed is enjoyable for their tactile feel as well.
Because of this, positive effects on the brain can also be expected.
There are ball activities that can be done while seated, so many older adults can participate.
Have the older adults sit in chairs in a circle and pass the ball forward and backward around the circle.
If someone can maintain a standing position, have them walk to the next person and hand the ball to their neighbor.
This helps improve core balance.
Whac-A-Mole game
Moles that usually live underground also pop their heads out in spring.
When you think of spring, some people might even answer, “moles.” How about a game of whack-a-mole as a May recreation? It’s easy to enjoy using paper cups and disposable chopsticks.
Let’s draw moles on the paper cups.
If seniors each draw their favorite faces, you’ll end up with a lot of unique, characterful moles! You can make the hammer by fixing a disposable chopstick to a paper cup.
As soon as you shout “Ready, start!” whack the moles with the hammer! It’s bound to turn into a heated and fun battle!
