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

Brain training with gojūon (Japanese syllabary) cards

[Fun Recreation] Brain Training with Japanese Syllabary Cards! Directly from Kenichi Yamaguchi!

As we age, it seems we may sometimes forget words.

So let’s use a set of kana cards to stimulate the brain.

First, arrange the cards in order starting from the A-row together with the older adult.

The act of arranging itself is said to help activate the brain.

Use the cards to form words—the more letters a word has, the higher the points.

Additionally, once a card has been used to make a word, it cannot be used again.

Treat voiced and semi-voiced marks (dakuten and handakuten) as a single card and make them count for points as well.

If someone can’t think of a word, it’s helpful for those around to offer hints like, “Let’s think of a word that starts with A.”

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Nakajima Junko

Report a problem

Proverb Matching Game

[Senior Recreation] Card Game: Proverb Matching!

There are many proverbs in Japan, right? For example, “Even a dog will run into a stick” and “Birds of a feather flock together.” Let me introduce a card game based on such proverbs.

Prepare several proverbs split into two cards each.

Place the split proverb cards on the table, and match two cards to complete each proverb.

Recalling proverbs helps stimulate the brain.

It also seems likely to deepen interaction as people call out to each other and cooperate.

In addition, proverbs are familiar to many older adults, so this game may be easy for them to engage with.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Nakajima Junko

Report a problem

Shiritori Card Game

Shiritori Card Game

Haven’t many older adults played shiritori at least once? Here’s a familiar shiritori-style card game for seniors.

Prepare cards with each of the 50 Japanese syllables written on them, and deal five cards to each player.

Place the remaining cards in the center and draw one card to start.

Think of a word that begins with the syllable of the drawn card, so that the last letter of your chosen word matches one of the cards in your hand.

Adding a rule like “use three-letter words” makes it even more fun and can help stimulate the brain.

The first person to use up all their cards wins.

Let’s all enjoy thinking of words together while we play.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Nakajima Junko

Report a problem

Table baseball

Today's lesson: Table Baseball

Let us introduce “Table Baseball,” a fun activity using a light ball and a box as a bat.

It’s an exciting seated game for older adults, played with a scoring sheet laid out on the table that includes zones like third base, second base, and a home run area.

Players hit back a gently rolled pitch and compete based on the points where the ball stops.

When someone aims well and hits a home run, the cheers feel just like a real baseball game! It helps with dexterity and concentration, and it’s a great way for everyone to get engaged together.

Make it a team game and set a batting order to add strategy and cheering for an even better gameplay experience.

It’s easy to set up and a popular table sport for day services and facility recreation.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

kojifumi

Report a problem

Smart ball made with 100-yen shop materials

How to Make a Smart Ball Game with 100-Yen Store Materials: Pegboard Craft, Summer Project, Pachinko, Corinth Game

How about planning the classic festival game “Smart Ball”? It’s very similar to pachinko, which many older adults know well, so playing it brings back nostalgic feelings.

You can buy a ready-made Smart Ball set, but they can be pricey, so it’s better to make one yourself.

For a small version, you can build it with materials from a 100-yen shop.

Attach wooden blocks to the four corners of a perforated board to make the base, and create a launcher at the lower right using a block of wood, a screw, and rubber bands.

Cut a large card case into a strip and install it along the inside top of the base.

Insert dowels wherever you like, hook rubber bands over them, and attach papers with point values.

Finally, add wooden legs to the back so the base is angled—and you’re done.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

sasashina

Report a problem

Capsule Korokoro

This gets everyone super hyped ⬆️ The capsule rolls around~ 🤣 #seniorActivities #brainTraining #miniGame #shorts #dayService

You’ve probably seen capsule toy machines filled with toys and merchandise at arcades or supermarkets.

Let’s use those round capsules to play a lively game.

Attach a stick to an empty tissue box and use it to roll a capsule across a table.

The goal is to land the capsule in a target without letting it fall off the table.

To make the game even more fun, create gaps between the targets.

Placing the capsule without dropping it into the gaps is a great way for older adults to show their skill.

Cheering on the players and calling out to them can spark interaction with the people around them, too.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Nakajima Junko

Report a problem

Parachute Game

Parachute game 🪂 #recreation #olderadults #dayservice #preventivecare #games #elderlycare

A parachute gently descending through the sky.

Here’s a game that lets you play by dropping a plastic bag like a parachute.

Clip a few clothespins onto the open end of a plastic bag.

The clothespins act as weights to make the lightweight bag easier to throw.

Using a ring toss target as the landing spot works well.

Since neither the plastic bag nor the clothespins feel heavy, it seems safe for older adults too.

Also, throwing provides arm training, and aiming at a target helps improve concentration.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Nakajima Junko

Report a problem