[For Seniors] Make it a special day: A roundup of birthday party activities for nursing homes
Birthday parties held at nursing homes and other senior facilities.
Many staff members probably put a lot of thought into making them enjoyable every month, don’t they?
Since a birthday only comes once a year, you want to celebrate it in a special, lively way.
In this article, we introduce birthday-themed recreational activities that seniors will enjoy.
We’ve gathered fun ideas that everyone can enjoy together while celebrating—perfect for creating lots of happy memories.
Some programs feature staff performances, but it gets even more exciting when the birthday honoree can join in, too.
Wishing you a fun and wonderful birthday.
- [For Seniors] Simple Recreational Activities You Can Enjoy While Seated
- Entertainment and Performances That Delight at Day Services for the Elderly
- [For Seniors] Easy and fun seated activities you can do in your room
- [For Seniors] Recreational Activities Enjoyable in Large Groups
- [For Seniors] Guaranteed to Be a Hit! Popular Day Service Recreational Activities
- [For Seniors] Today’s Recommended Activity: Fun and Engaging
- [For Seniors] Celebrate at the Care Facility! Handmade Birthday Card Ideas
- [For Seniors] Have Fun! A Collection of Group Game Recreation Ideas
- [For Seniors] Easy to try. Fun, crowd-pleasing recreation
- [For Seniors] Simple Tabletop Games: Fun and Engaging Recreational Activities
- [For Seniors] What's in the Box? A Collection of Exciting Content Ideas
- [For Seniors] Fun Recreational Activities Without Equipment
- [For Seniors] Enjoy safely even during the COVID-19 pandemic: Seated activities
[For Seniors] Make it a special day. Roundup of birthday party activities at nursing homes (11–20)
Treasure Hunt Game
This is a game where players pull a basket toward themselves using a string and search inside the basket for specified items.
The key points are engaging the arms with the pulling motion and using the eyes carefully while looking for items in the basket.
If you include this in a birthday party, arranging the contents of the basket or having players find a gift mixed in with balls could make it even more exciting.
With the anticipation that something delightful awaits at the end, participants’ movements will likely become quicker and more powerful.
HAND CLAP
HAND CLAP, which gained popularity after a video was released in 2017.
The hand clap dance, performed to the song “HAND CLAP,” is characterized by big arm and leg movements and energetic jumping.
Because this dance is highly effective for burning fat, it involves large, dynamic movements.
If the staff perform a sharp, energetic routine, older adults are likely to enjoy it as well.
It’s recommended to perform it as a small group with synchronized choreography.
It should also be satisfying for seniors celebrating their birthdays to watch the dance.
Additionally, if you modify the choreography so it can be done seated, older adults can participate too.
Please give it a try.
fashion show
A birthday party that celebrates longevity and expresses daily gratitude.
How about holding a fashion show as part of this wonderful birthday event? Invite seniors to wear outfits connected to their lives or ones they’ve always wanted to try.
Choosing among dresses, kimonos, and more can make for an enjoyable time in itself.
And be sure to spend time on makeup, too.
Just as there is makeup therapy that incorporates psychological techniques, some people feel lighter and brighter after a makeover.
Walking the runway with staff members, just like a real fashion show, is sure to get everyone excited.
What’s inside the box?
It’s a game where someone puts their hand into a box they can’t see into and tries to guess what’s inside using only the sense of touch.
It’s a staple on TV shows, so many people have probably seen it.
The fun comes from not knowing what’s inside and from the reactions when they touch something.
It also helps to let the surrounding people see what’s inside, so their reactions amplify how scary it seems.
If you’re having the birthday person take on the challenge, you could build up a sequence with unpleasant-feeling items beforehand, and then have them touch the gift they’ve been wanting—this setup might really liven things up.
Ogiri (Japanese improv-style comedy wordplay game)
This is a performance where participants keep giving witty answers to themes presented by the host.
It’s a classic act at vaudeville theaters and something you often see on TV as well.
The process of thinking and the hard-won answers are part of the appeal of ogiri, so it’s best to have participants come up with responses on the spot.
It could also get lively if you allow audience members who think of good answers to join in.
If you bring prompts based on the birthday person’s profile, it should help create a celebratory birthday atmosphere too.
A play performed by the staff
At gatherings where everyone comes together, such as birthday parties, a play is a classic choice, isn’t it? It’s a good idea to perform something with a fitting vibe and an easy-to-follow story—whether it’s a period drama or a modern piece.
You could also research in advance what the guest of honor likes—such as favorite shows or movies—and incorporate those elements into the play.
Designing it so the celebrant gets involved and can enjoy the feeling of creating the performance together is sure to make things even more exciting.
[For Seniors] Make it a special day: Roundup of birthday party recreation ideas for nursing homes (21–30)
Bingo game
When it comes to activities that get everyone at a party excited, bingo is a must.
The anticipation of hoping the numbers on your card are called, the sense of achievement as you complete a line—those shifting emotions are part of the fun.
And speaking of bingo, the prizes for those who complete a line are also important.
Try to choose items that anyone would be happy to win.
It might also be fun to create a favorable setup, like preparing extra bingo cards for the birthday person.