[For Seniors] Fun and Engaging Recreational Activities in Nursing Homes

Three-letter shiritori

Recreation for Seniors – Super Easy! Three-Letter Shiritori on a Whiteboard

What’s the very first game you remember learning as a child? Tag, rock-paper-scissors, and of course some might say shiritori.

Let’s spice things up with a twist—not just regular shiritori, but “three-letter shiritori.” Writing answers on a whiteboard takes a bit more time, but seeing each person’s handwriting and simple doodles can spark all kinds of conversation.

Plus, using your hands makes it a nice brain workout.

If you have a whiteboard, you can also enjoy illustrated shiritori just as it is.

AIUEO Puzzle

Whiteboard Game Part 4: Day Service, Elderly, Recreation, Caregiving, Indoor Activities

“Though the blossoms are fragrant, they soon will fall—who in this world can claim to be unchanging? Ui no…” Yes, that’s the famous Iroha poem.

Isn’t it almost a miracle that such a beautiful poem could be composed using each of the 50 kana exactly once, with no repetition? Records say it was created around the 10th century, but the author is unknown.

Still, they must have been remarkably brilliant.

Let’s spend some fun time with a similar game, the “50-syllable elimination game.” Write the 50 kana on a whiteboard and make as many words as you can.

Each time you use a hiragana character, erase it.

The goal is to use all 50 characters.

I’ve heard that few people manage to complete it, so join forces and aim for the goal together!

Ojami Wobble Game

Ojami Wobble Game #dayservice #recreation #Nichinan #Miyazaki #teamwork #dayservicerecreation #rec

Many older adults have probably played otedama (beanbag juggling) before, right? Some may have even skillfully used their hands and fingers to juggle two or three beanbags in the air.

Let’s play a fun game that uses familiar otedama to work the fingertips.

Place a paper plate on top of a short piece of a cut plastic wrap or foil core.

Then, place the beanbags on the paper plate one by one.

Since the paper plate is unstable, it wobbles each time you add a beanbag, creating a thrilling, heart-pounding effect.

It seems like older adults can enjoy a bit of tension while engaging in the game.

By the way, “ojami” is what otedama is called in the Kansai region.

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Nakajima Junko

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Super Ball Relay

Super Ball Relay #dayservice #recreation #dayservicerecreation #rec #teamwork #Miyazaki #Nichinan

Introducing the Super Ball Relay, a game that can be enjoyed by small groups to large gatherings.

All you need are paper cups and super balls.

Participants sit in a circle or around a table, each holding a paper cup.

Place a super ball in the first person’s cup, then pass the ball to the next person using the cups.

The goal is to pass it all the way to the last person.

Predicting the ball’s movement and tilting the cup accordingly, as well as figuring out how to receive the super ball, provides great stimulation for the brain.

You can also vary the fun by racing for speed or increasing the number of super balls.

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Pita-to Ball

Pitatto Ball #HiroseHospitalDayService #DayService #Recreation

Here’s a game using a ball that you can play on a table.

Apply strips of tape from one end of the table, placing the point values on top and keeping the sticky side facing up.

From the opposite end of the table, have older adults roll a rubber ball.

If the ball reaches near a point value, it will stop thanks to the adhesive tape.

Making the higher scores farther from the rolling side makes the game more exciting.

Grasping and rolling the rubber ball also helps train the fingers and hands.

It’s a fun way to strengthen the hands and fingers.

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Nakajima Junko

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Ping-pong ball transfer

Recreation at the Day Service 🎵 #shorts

Here’s a simple, hands-on game you can enjoy casually.

Make a hole in a paper plate that’s slightly larger than a ping-pong ball, and attach a pair of chopsticks to the back.

You might reinforce the rim of the paper plate with vinyl tape or similar.

Put ping-pong balls in a shallow basket or tray, and use the paper plate with chopsticks you made to scoop them up.

You can compete to see who scoops a ball the fastest or who collects the most balls.

Of course, it also works as a solo game you can focus on by yourself.

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Nakajima Junko

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Ball fishing game

[Kamo Day Service Ai] Recreation / Ball Fishing Game

Let me introduce a game that lets you practice fine motor skills while having fun.

It’s a game where you use a stick to pick up rubber balls.

The tip of the stick is fitted with the sticky side of tape, so the rubber balls attach to it.

It gets even more exciting as a two-player competitive game for older adults.

You’ll grip the stick and move your arms and hands a lot.

The person who picks up more balls than their opponent wins.

It can be played while seated, and with a bit of ingenuity, people who have difficulty moving their bodies freely can also participate.

Please use this as a reference and enjoy a fun time.

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Nakajima Junko

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