[For Seniors] Recreation Games Related to October Events
October is when the heat finally eases and autumn truly sets in.
The weather is getting cooler, and there are probably more days that feel comfortable.
Autumn is full of exciting events like Halloween and sports festivals.
This time, we’ll introduce recreation ideas related to October’s events.
Since some seniors may find it difficult to go out, we’ve focused on activities that can be enjoyed indoors.
Please use these as a reference and have a wonderful time together!
- [For Seniors] Fun Autumn Activities: Recreation Games
- [October Health Topic] Introducing Recreational Activities for Seniors!
- [For Seniors] Fun Halloween Games: Ideas to Enjoy with Ghosts, Mummies, and Spiderwebs
- [For Senior Care Facilities] Fun! Recommended Events for October
- [For Seniors] Simple crafts that feel like autumn: a fun creative activity
- [For Seniors] A Fun Sports Day! Recreational Activities You Can Do Safely
- [November Health Topic] Indoor Recreation Ideas for Older Adults
- [For Seniors] Simple Tabletop Games: Fun and Engaging Recreational Activities
- [For Seniors] Easy and fun seated activities you can do in your room
- For Seniors: Simple and Fun! November Recreation Ideas
- [For Seniors] Snack Recipes We Want to Make in the October Recreation Activity
- [For Seniors] Wall Decorations to Enjoy October
- Entertainment and Performances That Delight at Day Services for the Elderly
[For Seniors] Recreation Games Related to October Events (41–50)
Fingerplay: “It Starts with One, Two”
Simple hand games are a classic form of recreation for seniors, aren’t they? With hand-play songs where you put out two fingers at a time to make animals and objects, they’re perfect for fine motor exercise.
There are many other hand-play songs as well, so it’s fun to arrange them yourselves.
It might even be nice to create an original hand-play song!
Ghost Tug-of-War Game
A ghost-themed pulling game that lets you get fired up while staying seated is also recommended.
First, prepare a long, narrow table.
You can connect multiple tables as long as there are no gaps or height differences.
Next, prepare the materials.
Attach a ghost motif to a sheet of construction paper, then tie a string to it that’s the same length as the table.
Finally, place an empty plastic bottle on the construction paper, and you’re set.
Players pull the string as quickly as possible while being careful not to tip over the plastic bottle.
Thriller dance
It’s that highlight scene from Michael Jackson’s iconic music video Thriller where the ghosts gather and perform a creepy dance.
Since ghosts are an essential motif for Halloween, how about an exercise routine inspired by this scene? Because it’s originally a dance, the steps might seem challenging, but if you sit in a chair and focus on upper-body movements, you can enjoy moving your body.
Replace the stepping with marching in place, and try to faithfully recreate those lunging, attacking arm movements.
It may be hard to match the song’s tempo right away, so it’s best to learn the motions first and gradually increase the speed.
Towel ball toss
Since it’s the season for sports in autumn, how about trying a beanbag toss with a sports day vibe? Preparing proper beanbags can be a hassle, but there are fun ways to enjoy it with things you have at home.
If you use towels as beanbags, they fly in all kinds of ways—which actually makes the game more fun.
Try squeezing them into tight balls before throwing, or tying them in a knot—get creative and enjoy it.
Another advantage is that towel “beanbags” won’t hurt if they hit someone.
You can also adjust the basket’s position or compete for points—why not try enjoying it in various ways?
Halloween is a big commotion
This piece portrays the lively atmosphere of Halloween, where ghosts and various monsters gather.
Its light, march-like rhythm is striking and conveys the excitement of looking forward to the once-a-year party.
The exercise focuses on marching steps to express the march rhythm and the gentle swaying movements of ghosts, allowing for calm yet enjoyable full-body movement.
Even when performed seated, paying close attention to the marching choreography helps train not only the upper body but the entire body effectively.
Finger exercises with “Donguri Korokoro”
Let’s try a simple finger exercise you can do while seated—anytime, anywhere! Move your fingers rhythmically to the children’s song “Donguri Korokoro.” Start with your hand open, then fold one finger at a time in time with the song, ending with a fist, and open back to a spread hand—repeat this sequence.
It may seem too easy, but moving your fingers helps activate the brain, serves as training, and can help prevent forgetfulness.
And doing two things at once—moving your fingers while singing—not only exercises your fingers but also trains your brain.
mummy man
If you want to try a full-on costume, how about going for a mummy? It’s a very simple costume, but since you have to wrap white bandages or cloth all around, it’s surprisingly one of the more demanding ones.
If you’re using cloth, using pieces with slightly frayed edges will make it look more authentic.
Adding fake blood can make it scarier, too.
If dressing your whole body feels like a bit much, just doing your face is fine.
Enjoy the costume, but be careful not to cover your nose or mouth, and don’t wrap it too tightly.
