[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] Introducing May-themed Origami!
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[For Seniors] Enjoy May! Recommended Recreations and Games (41–50)
Making plum syrup
Here’s how to make a delicious, seasonally inspired plum juice.
Prepare green or fully ripe plums, rock sugar, and a large container.
The key is to choose unblemished plums and prepare them carefully.
Sterilize the large storage container and let it dry before use.
Layer the plums and rock sugar like a mille-feuille.
Make sure you have enough space so you can work comfortably without straining.
It’s also a good idea to explain the purpose and benefits of plum juice as you go.
Enjoy making your tasty plum juice!
[For Seniors] Enjoy May! Recommended Recreations and Games (51–60)
Chair exercises in May
In May the temperature becomes pleasant and there are more days you can spend comfortably.
Chair exercises for May, which you can do while seated, are perfect for this comfortable season.
It’s a good time to move your body, but we recommend easy, seated exercises that suit each senior’s physical condition.
Because the movements involve slowly moving the hands and feet to the music of children’s songs, they’re enjoyable to do.
Also, recalling and singing the lyrics stimulates the brain, making it a sure way to help prevent dementia.
Be mindful to incorporate diaphragmatic breathing as well.
Recommended Exercises for May
Many senior and welfare facilities probably do daily exercises, don’t they? Here are some exercises perfect for May events and recreational activities.
Have the seniors share things that evoke May, and do exercises while singing May-related songs like “Koinobori.” You can incorporate these not only into special events and recreation, but also into your regular exercise routines.
By doing movements inspired by May, some seniors may feel a sense of the season.
It might even spark lively conversations about their memories of May.
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!
My Mother’s Memory
Based on a semi-autobiographical novel by Yasushi Inoue, the film ‘Chronicle of My Mother’ portrays the bond between parent and child and the love for a mother through life with an ailing parent.
It won the Special Grand Prix of the Jury at the Montreal World Film Festival.
When screening it, we recommend using subtitles to make it easier for older viewers to follow, and scheduling breaks or segmenting the viewing time, as sitting for long periods can be tiring.
After the screening, set aside time to share impressions and discuss the film.
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.
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.