[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!
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[For Seniors] Fun and Engaging Recreational Activities at Nursing Homes (91–100)
Blowing out candles on a cake
Many senior care facilities probably prepare delicious-looking cakes for birthdays, don’t they? Speaking of birthday cakes, you light the candles and the person celebrating blows them out.
Let’s have the older adult celebrating their birthday blow out the candles on the cake as well.
These days, you can find all kinds of candles even at 100-yen shops.
They may not be able to blow out the candles by themselves.
In that case, please have the people around them help blow them out together.
It will make the lively birthday party even more memorable.
Hige Dance
The Hige Dance, which was hugely popular in the Showa era.
The Drifters’ Ken Shimura and Cha Kato wore fake mustaches and silently performed various gags—an unforgettable sight.
Back then, many children were glued to the TV to watch the Hige Dance.
Many older adults have probably seen it at least once, too.
Because the Hige Dance is familiar to seniors, it’s also recommended for birthday recreation.
Have the staff put on a Hige Dance performance.
Try doing tricks to the distinctive Hige Dance melody.
If staff with fake mustaches perform silently, it’s likely to get seniors excited.
Even seniors who don’t know the Hige Dance will probably be captivated by the staff’s act.
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.
Season of Love
Let’s perform a dance to Pinky & the Killers’ song “Koi no Kisetsu” for an older adult’s birthday.
Just like Pinky & the Killers, wear a rounded derby hat with a curled brim and dance.
Of course, singing is a great option too.
Both the dance and the song set to “Koi no Kisetsu” are likely to delight seniors.
Some may even have personal memories connected to this song.
As they listen, it might bring back recollections of those days.
It’s a recreation activity that can spark conversation and make the celebration even livelier.
Shopping Boogie
“Kaimono Boogie” was released in 1950 (Showa 25) and became a big hit.
Many seniors have probably heard it, haven’t they? It has also been covered by many artists up to the present day.
With its cheerful, lively melody, just listening to “Kaimono Boogie” makes your heart feel light.
Why not have the staff put on a dance performance to the song? If you dress up like a housewife going shopping, wearing an apron, it’ll be perfect.
Both men and women can get into character as housewives and perform the dance for a fun birthday party.
It’s sure to satisfy the seniors as well.
song exercise
Here are some recommended sing-along exercises for a birthday party activity.
While seated, move along with the music by clapping, bending your elbows, lifting your toes, and more.
The key is to choose a variety of songs—some with expressive dynamics, others with a good tempo.
Think of movements that can be done safely while seated, keeping participants’ safety in mind.
Doing the activity with expressive facial gestures will help liven things up! Performing it while singing also helps with relaxation and stress relief, so it’s highly recommended.
kusudama (decorative paper ball used for celebrations)
Incorporating a kusudama into the birthday party activities should really help lift the atmosphere.
When preparing it, choose longer, sparkly streamers and similar materials so that the contents don’t scatter onto participants when the ball is opened.
Adding messages or names inside will likely make it even more delightful.
After everyone sings and offers congratulations, do a countdown and have someone open the kusudama to raise the excitement even more.
Also, be mindful to speak and engage in ways that ensure all participants can enjoy the celebration.