Lovely senior life

For Seniors: Simple and Fun! November Recreation Ideas

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Deputy Editor of RAG MUSIC. JFC-certified fact-checker. I’m Sasashina, a mom currently raising an elementary schooler and a preschooler. During my student years at Kyoto College of Science and Technology, I studied a wide range of fields including sound, lighting, and video technology, building a foundation in comprehensive stage production and creative expression. After graduation, I joined a music production company, where I still work, consistently building experience in production and engaging in a variety of music-centered tasks. Currently, I mainly handle articles for children, drawing on what I’ve learned about parenting and what I feel and discover through daily interactions with my kids. I hope my work can be of help to you, even in a small way!
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I worked as a physical therapist at a general hospital for about four years. I’ve supported a wide range of patients, from those needing emergency rehabilitation to those doing rehabilitation at home at a comfortable pace. As a writer, I’d be happy to share health-related information with many people. Thank you, and I look forward to working with you!

Here are some November activities and recreations we recommend for older adults.

As November arrives, the scenery begins to shift from autumn to winter, and the temperatures drop quite a bit.

It’s a season where you can enjoy a different kind of seasonal beauty than in the height of autumn, but many older adults may find it hard to move as they’d like due to the cold and end up staying indoors.

With that in mind, this article gathers seasonal games and recreational activities that can be enjoyed indoors.

These ideas are also great for community gatherings and day service settings.

We hope everyone has fun together!

[For Seniors] Simple & Fun! November Recreation Ideas (41–50)

Restricted Shiritori: Autumn Foods

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This is a word chain game that becomes brain training by intentionally setting constraints.

On a whiteboard, write “Starts with 〇 and ends with 〇,” then play shiritori using autumn foods that meet those conditions.

For example, with a word that starts with “sa” and ends with “n,” you could use “sanma” (Pacific saury).

The quiz master sets the conditions, and everyone thinks of words that fit.

By writing answers in sequence in a grid, it’s visually easy to follow, and the overall flow is clear, which helps build excitement.

Making the theme autumn foods lets you enjoy a seasonal feel while playing, and it also encourages broader conversation.

As autumn-specific foods keep coming up, participants can share memories and stories as well.

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Autumn Delicacies Ranking

[Seasonal Rec] Get Excited in Autumn & Winter! Whiteboard Recreation [Cognicise]

Autumn Delicacies Ranking

Here’s an idea for a seasonal recreation activity perfect for seniors: “Autumn Flavors Ranking.” Using real popular-vote sites as references, pose questions themed around the top five most popular autumn foods.

If you have participants guess without hints, differences in knowledge, experience, and personal preferences become conversation starters, and the discussion naturally expands.

The answer reveal is also a big highlight.

You can compete on the number of correct answers, or simply enjoy chatting about “This is my number one!” It’s an appealing activity because anyone can join without physical movement, and it also stimulates the brain—highly recommended.

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Autumn Word Collection Brain Training

Sacchan’s whiteboard activity: “Collecting Autumn Words + Brain Training,” from the Three Recreation Daughters’ Facebook Live

Autumn Word Collection Brain Training

This is a brain-training activity where participants freely write words related to the season on a whiteboard under the theme “What comes to mind when you think of autumn?” Participants say as many words as they can think of, and staff write them on the board.

Once a certain number has been collected, the board is hidden, and participants are asked to recall and say as many of the words as they remember.

This activity stimulates memory while naturally developing creativity and vocabulary.

Talking about seasonal topics helps evoke shared memories and emotions, encouraging the enjoyment of speaking and broadening conversation.

Because it focuses on enjoyment rather than right or wrong answers, it allows older adults to use their brains without strain, making it a suitable and enjoyable recreation.

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Quick-draw Firefighting Game

November 9 is Firefighting Day: 'Quick-Draw Fire Extinguishing Game'

Quick-draw Firefighting Game

How about a “Quick-Draw Firefighting Game” inspired by Firefighting Day on November 9, as a recreation activity for seniors? Print out flame illustrations, laminate them, and hang them using clips and toilet paper.

Divide the seniors into groups, and have them work together with water guns to “extinguish” the flames.

Since toilet paper dissolves easily in water, the goal is to aim the water guns at the paper—whichever team makes the flame illustration drop the fastest wins! It’s a fun way for seniors to feel like kids again playing with water guns, while also learning the importance of initial fire response.

Consider including it in your November recreation program.

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ukie

Just place the paper! Embossed patterns: leaf rubbing

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At this time of year, if you go to a park and the like, you’ll find lots of fallen leaves of many kinds.

Here’s a craft that uses those leaves to create a raised-looking pattern.

Place thin paper like washi over a leaf and rub it with a crayon—like magic, the leaf’s pattern appears beautifully.

Try different leaves and colors to make a wonderful illustration.

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sweet potato yokan (Japanese sweet potato jelly)

How to Make Sweet Potato Yokan: Only 5 Ingredients! Easy, No Blender Needed! Moist, Smooth, Authentic Sweet Potato Yokan♪ A Simple Wagashi Recipe - How to Make Sweet Potato Yokan - [Cooking Researcher Yukari]

sweet potato yokan (Japanese sweet potato jelly)

Some elderly people may prefer soft and sweet yokan, don’t you think? Yokan is a treat where, with a single bite, sweetness fills your mouth.

Let’s make imo-yokan by adding sweet potatoes to that yokan.

Peel the sweet potatoes, slice them into rounds, and boil until tender.

Mash the sweet potatoes by pressing them through a sieve, or blend them in a food processor or mixer.

Add the mashed sweet potatoes to a pot where water and agar have been brought to a boil, then transfer the mixture to a mold.

Chill in the refrigerator for about 3 hours until set.

You’ll have wonderfully soft sweet potato yokan.

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Snack activity: sweet potato pudding cake

Super Easy: Blend it in a mixer and just bake! Sweet Potato Pudding Cake

Snack activity: sweet potato pudding cake

Here’s how to make a pudding cake using sweet potatoes.

Cakes often seem like a lot of work, but this pudding cake is an easy recipe—you just blend and bake! First, soften the sweet potatoes in the microwave, then put them in a blender with the other ingredients and blend until smooth.

Pour the mixture into a pan lined with parchment paper and bake to finish.

Fresh out of the oven, it has a silky, custard-like texture; when chilled, it becomes moist, offering a different kind of deliciousness.

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