[For Seniors] Enjoy Summer to the Fullest! Fun Summer-Only Activities Introduced
Here are some recreational activities and games for older adults to enjoy the hot summer.
When the heat is intense, going out can be difficult, right? Many seniors probably think, “I still want to make the most of summer!” In this article, we’ve gathered games you can enjoy indoors as well as recreational activities that incorporate classic summer traditions.
If you’re looking for summer recreation ideas for senior facilities such as day-service centers, please use this as a reference!
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- Activities perfect for July for seniors: Introducing games and recreational options
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- For Seniors: Festive Attractions to Liven Up Festivals—Games and Recreational Activities
- [For Seniors] August Health Tips: How to Enjoy and Stay Comfortable During the Hot Summer
- [Care Facility] A Summer Festival for Everyone: A Collection of Games That Seniors Can Enjoy SafelyNEW!
- [For Seniors] Summer kigo: A list of famous seasonal words to enjoy while savoring their elegance
- [For Seniors] Highlights of Fun Events at Day-Service Centers
- [For Seniors] Enjoyment at Day Care: A Roundup of Games and Recreational Activities
[For Seniors] Enjoy Summer to the Fullest! Fun Summer-Only Activities (41–50)
Shooting game

Here’s an idea for making a rubber band shooter from scrap materials.
You’ll need a plastic wrap tube, a toilet paper tube, rubber bands, and vinyl tape.
Connect two rubber bands together, then tape both ends of the rubber band to the rim of the toilet paper tube with vinyl tape.
Adjust the knot so it sits right in the center of the tube, and reinforce the sides by covering them with vinyl tape.
Cut small notches in the rim of the plastic wrap tube so the rubber band can catch there, and you’re done.
To fire, slide the plastic wrap tube through a toilet paper tube that will be your projectile, pull the projectile back, and let go.
The toilet paper tube will shoot forward with a satisfying burst of speed.
[For Seniors] Enjoy Summer to the Fullest! Fun Summer-Only Activities (51–60)
Bon Odori exercises done while seated

When you go to summer festivals, you often see people enjoying bon odori, the traditional festival dance.
Many older adults have probably danced it at least once, too.
So this time, we’re introducing a bon odori exercise you can use for summer festival activities at care facilities.
It can be done seated, making it a great option for those who find standing difficult.
For the upper body, raise both hands above your head and clap along; for the lower body, extend your heels forward and march your feet in place.
The moves are all simple, so try dancing along to your favorite bon odori song.
Showa Era Classic Song Rhythm Exercises

When it’s too hot to go outside, why not have fun moving your body indoors? What we’re introducing is rhythm exercises danced to classic Showa-era hits.
They’re basically done seated, so even those who find it difficult to dance standing can enjoy them.
Because many of the moves involve large upper-body motions, be sure to leave enough space between chairs when doing this with multiple people, such as in a facility activity.
Depending on the song, wearing a happi coat or dancing with a folding fan can help you enjoy the atmosphere of the music, so it’s recommended.
Heatstroke Quiz

As the weather gets hotter, one thing to watch out for is heatstroke.
Older adults are said to be more prone to heatstroke because their body temperature regulation declines and their sensitivity to heat diminishes.
To enjoy going out and to prevent heatstroke even indoors, let’s learn thoroughly about heatstroke and how to prevent it with this quiz.
You’ll find plenty of useful information, such as the right timing for hydration and what to do if someone gets heatstroke.
Please feel free to make use of it.
The “I want to meet Princess Orihime” game

Here’s a game themed around Hikoboshi and Orihime, who are allowed to meet only on the night of Tanabata.
Attach a picture of Hikoboshi to a ball.
Tie a string to the ball, and also tie the other end of the string to a baton or a tube.
Wind the string around the baton or tube to pull the ball toward yourself.
Of course, attach a picture of Orihime to yourself.
The person who brings the ball with Hikoboshi’s picture to Orihime the fastest wins.
It would also be exciting as a team competition.
Making wind chimes

Here are some wind chime craft ideas to make your indoor summer time more enjoyable.
Prepare origami paper and string.
Fold the origami paper in half twice to make a square, draw a 7 cm diameter circle with a compass, and cut it out with scissors.
You should have four circular pieces; fold each one in half with the patterned side inside.
Stack the four folded pieces and glue them together, then trim about 1 cm from the bottom—this will be the outer part of the wind chime.
From another sheet of origami, make a rectangular strip (tanzaku) and attach a thread to it.
Glue the other end of the thread to the center of the outer part, then glue the outer part’s edges together to finish.
Tanabata Curling
https://www.tiktok.com/@emi8852/video/7253046918899633409Curling is a sport where you slide stones toward the center of a circle on ice, competing for points based on where the stones come to rest.
With a bit of creativity, you can try it on indoor floors, too.
Attach wheels to a substitute for the stone and roll it across the floor.
The player who rolls it closest to the target wins.
It’s even more exciting if you set up a scoring system that awards higher points the closer you get to the target.
If you do it in July, a curling game themed around Tanabata’s Orihime and Hikoboshi could be fun.
It’s also a version of curling that seniors can enjoy safely.



