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[For Seniors] Fun and Engaging Recreational Activities in Nursing Homes
In this article, we introduce lively recreational activities for seniors to enjoy at day service centers and other care facilities!
Facilities offer many different types of activities every day.
We’ve gathered a wide variety—from ones that are great for lively group fun to those enjoyable for individuals or small groups—so please use this as a reference when you’re wondering, “What should we do today?”
Many activities can be enjoyed while seated, so everyone can participate and have fun together.
It can also be interesting to change the rules or add your own twists depending on the facility!
[For Seniors] Fun and Lively Recreational Activities in Nursing Homes (1–10)
craft; handiwork; fabrication; maneuvering (scheming)
Craft-based recreation not only helps exercise dexterity through making things, but also provides a sense of fulfillment.
It is said to have a stabilizing effect on both mind and body, because you can enjoy not only thinking about what to make but also the process of creating it.
In addition, since many nerves in the fingertips connect to the brain, it can provide good stimulation for the brain.
It’s recommended to start by trying simple, easy-to-make crafts.
Recreation using a whiteboard
Let’s use a whiteboard to enjoy some whiteboard recreation activities.
Because these are group activities, communication naturally emerges as you play together.
As a result, relationships among the older adults deepen naturally.
In addition, associating various ideas can lead to new discoveries, providing beneficial stimulation for the brain.
Bowling
If you’re looking for something easy and exciting to enjoy at a day service, how about bowling? It’s great because you can play either standing or seated! Rolling the ball to knock down pins placed in front is effective for strengthening the arms and legs.
For those who have experience at a bowling alley, it can also enhance reminiscence therapy by bringing back fond memories.
When doing this at a day service, we recommend using plastic bottles filled with water as pins.
Use the softest ball possible.
You can also enjoy various adaptations, such as kicking the ball instead of throwing it by hand, or setting up obstacles for added challenge!
gymnastics
Incorporating gymnastics-style exercises into recreation is effective for improving both mental and physical functions.
This time, we introduce health exercises that match the seasons.
By exercising to songs associated with each season, you can experience the sensations of the four seasons.
In winter, try New Year–themed exercises; in spring, cherry blossom–themed exercises; in summer, festival-themed exercises; and in autumn, foliage-themed exercises—allowing you to soak in a richly emotional mood.
Since the exercises are done while seated in a chair, you can move your body without strain.
Also, adding music helps build a sense of rhythm and makes it easier to move with a good tempo, so it’s highly recommended.
rod soccer
Stick soccer is a popular recreational activity.
It’s a sport played with soft sticks and a soccer ball.
Players form teams, sit in chairs, and aim for goals to score points.
The rules are simple and easy to learn, so anyone can join.
It’s guaranteed to be an exciting game!
Brain-training quiz
Brain-training quizzes are a popular form of recreation.
They’re based on general knowledge and also provide hints, making it easier to get the right answer.
For example, there are questions like “Whose portrait is on the 10,000-yen bill?” Since it’s something you often see in daily life, it’s easy to picture.
There’s also a question like “Who was Japan’s first prime minister?” Because the quiz is filled with relatively easy questions, it’s a fun activity everyone can enjoy together.
balloon volleyball
Recreation using balloons can be an exciting form of exercise that makes you feel like you’ve gone back to childhood.
Since you’ll be doing it while seated, be careful not to fall off your chair.
In a balloon rally, you track the balloon with your eyes while moving your hands and feet, which can help train your dynamic visual acuity.
It also contributes to improving spatial awareness.
Additionally, try using a stick to control the balloon skillfully and pass the rally to another person.
Unlike rallying with your hands, adjusting the balloon’s buoyancy is tricky, isn’t it?