[For Seniors] Fun Spring Recreational Activities: A Collection of Games and Play Ideas

Inchworm Brain Training Exercise

Inchworm Brain-Training Exercises: Today’s Brain Workout #154 – Preventive Care and Dementia Prevention

Let’s stimulate your brain with a finger play that mimics an inchworm’s movement.

Inchworms move by stretching and contracting their bodies, right? We’ll recreate that motion with your fingers as a hand game.

Touch the tips of your index finger and thumb together on both hands.

From there, bend one thumb and touch it to the index finger of the other hand.

Then alternate by bending an index finger to touch the thumb on the other hand, and keep repeating this pattern.

The motion looks like an inchworm, doesn’t it? At first, it can be hard to make each finger meet the opposite one smoothly, but working to make the connections is said to help activate your brain.

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Nakajima Junko

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Fox Dance

Let’s dance the “Fox Dance” in the caregiving setting! [Rehabilitation Day Salon ‘Umi’] Day service (daycare) in Yokosuka City

Let me introduce the Fox Dance that you can enjoy together with older adults.

It’s recommended because you can move your body while sitting in a chair.

After making a fox shape with your hands, use your arms and hands to dance.

The song has a quick tempo, but move within a comfortable range.

Once you get used to the moves, it could be fun to add some marching steps from the second round.

When it’s time to turn your neck, be careful to avoid falls.

The Fox Dance might be a great opportunity to spark new communication!

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mayumi

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Number Exercise

Senior activity! Number exercises #dayservice #caregiving #recreation

Here’s a fun number exercise where you get to learn movements, too.

For 1, touch your head with both hands.

For 2, cross your hands in front of your chest.

For 3, clap your hands and move your body.

The moves and rules are simple, but since you have to think, you might get a little confused at first.

Until you get used to it, say the numbers clearly and keep a slow rhythm.

Once it becomes familiar, try adding combinations where you call out two numbers, or speed up the rhythm for a challenge.

Let’s make it something you can enjoy while you practice.

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mayumi

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Hotto Atto Nanto Taisō

Hotto Atto Nanto Taiso.wmv

“Hotto Atto Nanto” is the catchphrase of Nanto City in Toyama Prefecture.

It conveys a sense of security and comfort, giving you a feel for the atmosphere of Nanto.

“From the Green Village” is a song created to commemorate the 5th anniversary of Nanto City’s merger, and let’s move our bodies along with this song.

Despite its slow tempo, the uplifting lyrics of “From the Green Village” bring a calm, peaceful feeling.

It’s a song that resonates with older adults as well.

The rhythm is just right for seniors to move their bodies to, so please give it a try.

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Nakajima Junko

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Slow aerobics to the tune of “Alps Ichiman-jaku”

Let's try slow aerobics! ~Alps Ichiman-jaku, chair version~

As people age, many find it bothersome to move their bodies.

Let’s get moving with slow aerobics that can be done while seated in a chair.

As the name suggests, slow aerobics involves gently moving your body to music.

It’s said to help raise heart rate and encourage breathing even for older adults who don’t have many opportunities to exercise.

It’s recommended to do rhythmic exercises to familiar songs—like “Alps Ichiman-jaku”—that many seniors know well.

Moving to music can also help bring out a sense of fun in older adults.

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Nakajima Junko

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Exercise with Sazae-san

Sazae-san de Taiso: Sitting Edition

When you think of Sunday evening TV shows, many people probably think of Sazae-san.

Let’s try moving our bodies to the Sazae-san song.

It’s a long-running program, so many older adults are likely familiar with the song and the content of the anime.

When it’s a song you know, it’s easier to get your body moving.

The Sazae-san song also has a bright, cheerful feel, which can help calm and uplift older adults while they exercise.

Both the opening and ending themes work well for fun exercises, so I recommend either one.

Please give it a try!

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Nakajima Junko

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Rhythmic gymnastics at Blue Light Yokohama

Seated singing exercise: “Showa Kayō Blue Light Yokohama” – rhythm exercises for seniors and older adults #seniors #exercise

Released in 1968, “Blue Light Yokohama” is one of the signature songs of the Showa era.

Many older adults have likely sung it at karaoke or heard it on TV or the radio.

Let’s try some rhythmic exercises with this familiar tune.

Since the song portrays a couple in love, it could be fun to incorporate movements that match the lyrics.

Older adults might feel nostalgic, recalling the time when this song was popular as they exercise.

You could even sing along while doing the exercises.

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Nakajima Junko

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