Recreation Ideas for Seniors: Perfect for Setsubun and Bean-Throwing Activities

Rhythmic gymnastics with bean throwing

Seated singing exercise: Nursery rhyme “Mame-maki (Bean-Throwing)” — rhythm exercises for seniors and the elderly #seniors #exercise

Bean-throwing is one of the major events in February, isn’t it? Depending on the region, some people throw peanuts or edamame, but in Japan, people have traditionally done bean-throwing on Setsubun in February.

So, we’d like to introduce a rhythm exercise perfect for February: a bean-throwing themed routine.

Move your body to the children’s song “Mamemaki.” Sit in a chair and, while singing, extend your hands and feet forward.

An exercise with a bean-throwing theme can help older adults connect with the current season.

Also, using a familiar song makes it easier for many seniors to join in.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Nakajima Junko

Report a problem

A demon made by winding yarn

Here’s a simple craft idea for making an oni (ogre) decoration.

Cut cardboard into a square and create the oni’s face.

Wrap the cut cardboard with yarn in colors you like, such as blue or red.

Attach the facial features, and your oni is complete.

You can display it on a decorative fan base for a festive look, or mount it on construction paper or colored paper for a lovely finish.

To give it a Setsubun feel, arrange holly leaves or plum blossoms around the oni to create a lively atmosphere.

It’s also fun to make several Setsubun-themed parts together with older adults.

You can prepare the parts in advance, let the seniors choose the pieces, and have them finish the work in their preferred style.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Nakajima Junko

Report a problem

Cute origami oni wreath

[Origami] How to Make a Setsubun Wreath [With Voice Commentary] Cute Ideas for Setsubun Decorations!

When you think of Setsubun, you might picture scary ogres, but this time we’ll make a cute Setsubun wreath with origami.

We’ll create the base of the origami wreath, and since the steps aren’t complicated, it’s easy for seniors to try.

You’ll make several identical pieces for the base, so once you master how to fold one, the rest becomes simple.

After completing the wreath base, prepare parts related to Setsubun, such as ogres, Otafuku masks, and holly leaves.

You can make the parts together with seniors, or use items sold at 100-yen shops.

Even seniors who find it difficult to sense the seasons may be able to recall February through the crafting activity and by seeing the Setsubun wreath displayed on the wall.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Nakajima Junko

Report a problem

Recommended for class activities! Draw your favorite demon

February Mural [Which Oni Face Catches Your Eye!?]

When you think of events in February, Setsubun probably comes to mind.

And when you think of Setsubun, you think of oni (ogres).

How about making unique oni crafts as a recreation activity? Staff can prepare the base parts in advance, such as the oni’s face, horns, and hair.

The rest can be drawn or decorated by the seniors, resulting in oni full of each person’s creativity.

Oni with one or two horns, or even a one-eyed oni—each one uniquely made by the participants.

When these oni are displayed on the facility walls and brighten up the rooms, some seniors may feel the season and grow fond of them.

It’s a project that enhances the Setsubun spirit and brings enjoyment.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Nakajima Junko

Report a problem

Ehomaki Game

[Setsubun Recreation] [Day Service] [Day Service Recreation] Ehomaki Setsubun Recreation Ehomaki Rolling Game

Let’s turn the ehomaki we eat on Setsubun into a game.

Ehomaki are filled with lots of ingredients, right? On top of paper “nori” and “rice,” place ingredients made from long, thin strips of construction paper or fabric.

The key is to prepare colors that look like real ehomaki fillings, such as red and green.

Then, using both hands, roll it up as if you were making a real sushi roll.

When it’s finished, face the lucky direction for that year and take a big bite.

This idea of making ehomaki from paper or fabric seems like something older adults would also enjoy.

It’s a perfect game to do in February.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Nakajima Junko

Report a problem

Beanbag basket made from newspaper

Recreation for Seniors: Lively Setsubun Activities! Tear the Newspaper! Beanbag Toss into a Basket

Setsubun is a major event in February and carries the meaning of praying for a happy year.

This is a target-throwing game themed on bean-throwing, which is essential to Setsubun for driving away demons.

You attach newspaper sheets labeled with the characters for “oni” (demon) and “fuku” (good fortune) to baskets, and toss beanbags toward them.

The rule is to aim beanbags at the oni and avoid hitting the fuku, encouraging careful control of your throws.

The throwing motion helps build wrist and whole-body cushioning, and aiming for longer distances also enhances concentration.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

kappamaki

Report a problem

Setsubun

Setsubun event at the day-service center!! Stick exercises and bean-throwing to the song “Oni no Pants”!!! @_@

In recent years, ehomaki rolls have become a trend, and Setsubun is an event that people of all ages, from children to adults, look forward to.

As a seasonal turning point from winter to spring, Setsubun is a wonderful opportunity to sense the arrival of spring—why not incorporate it into senior care facilities as well? Offering a sense of the seasons can be stimulating even for older adults whose sensitivities may have dulled.

You could create a festive atmosphere by having staff dress up as demons (oni) for the traditional bean-throwing, or by featuring ehomaki on the day’s meal menu.

You might also include songs and dances related to oni to make the event even more lively.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

miyabi

Report a problem