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Lovely senior life

[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!

[For Seniors] Enjoy Summer to the Fullest! Fun Summer-Only Activities (41–50)

Tankō Bushi danced while seated in a chair

Tanking-bushi danced while sitting on a chair 🍧
Tankō Bushi danced while seated in a chair

You can also dance it as a Bon Odori to the music of “Tankō Bushi,” right? For many older adults, it may feel like a song that evokes summer.

We’ll move our bodies to the tune of “Tankō Bushi.” As they move, some seniors might remember dancing it in the past.

Since it can be done while seated, it’s safe to dance indoors even on hot days.

“Tankō Bushi” is also a representative song of the Showa era, so people might sing along as they dance.

It’s a recommended exercise for summer festival activities at facilities as well.

[For Seniors] Enjoy Summer to the Fullest! Fun Summer-Only Activities (51–60)

Fireworks, swimming in the ocean, and the watermelon-splitting exercise

[Recommended for Summer] Fireworks, Swimming at the Beach, and Watermelon-Splitting Exercises! Also Recommended for Reminiscence Therapy
Fireworks, swimming in the ocean, and the watermelon-splitting exercise

When you think of July, what comes to mind? Fireworks, swimming in the sea, watermelon-splitting—these may be some of the things that come to mind for older adults.

It’s said that recalling the past can help increase blood flow in the brain.

With that in mind, here’s an exercise routine that incorporates movements inspired by things associated with July.

Of course, it’s also fine to use movements based on July-related ideas provided by older participants themselves.

While doing the exercises, you can look back on childhood memories or summer episodes spent with family.

From there, conversations can naturally emerge, helping to promote communication as well.

Music therapy-based recreation

Music therapy recreation ~ Festivals, Bon Odori, and folk songs ~ [For day-service care facilities and at-home preventive care] Tankō-bushi, Donpan-bushi, Tokyo Ondo, Dekansho-bushi
Music therapy-based recreation

The “musical recreation” held as part of the summer festival adds a comforting pause amid the lively atmosphere.

From seasonal children’s songs like “Umi” and “Ware wa Umi no Ko” to familiar folk tunes such as “Tanko-bushi,” “Tokyo Ondo,” and “Donpan-bushi,” the program is filled with songs everyone has sung at least once.

Nostalgia naturally brings out voices and handclaps, creating a sense of unity throughout the venue.

It’s also a lovely moment when memories bubble up—like, “I used to sing this a lot as a child.” In addition to singing, gently moving your body or incorporating simple instruments makes it even more enjoyable.

Watermelon splitting

Unbreakable Watermelon-Splitting Contest!!
Watermelon splitting

When you think of summer, you think of the beach—and when you think of the beach, you think of watermelon splitting.

So why not try it this summer? While it’s often seen as an outdoor activity, it can be plenty of fun indoors too! Be sure to keep safety in mind to prevent injuries, especially for older participants.

It’s a great, easy way to enjoy a summery vibe!

Wish Upon a Star Game

Make a wish to the stars from our day service! Simple! Hilarious, super exciting Tanabata activity ♪ #Elderly #DayService #Recreation #ElderlyRecreation #Tanabata #Game #shorts
Wish Upon a Star Game

Speaking of big events in July, Tanabata is a must, and the story of Orihime and Hikoboshi separated by the Milky Way is an essential element.

This is an easy-to-understand game that focuses on the day when Orihime and Hikoboshi cross the Milky Way to reunite, where you make Hikoboshi run toward Orihime.

Place Hikoboshi on a wheeled platform and send him toward Orihime, who is positioned on the far side of the river field.

If he reaches Orihime, you get the highest score; there are also points placed along the way, so the goal is to aim for a high score by making use of those as well.

Treasure Fishing

Okayama City Day Service Summer Festival Final Chapter Day 1
Treasure Fishing

Let’s host a summer festival that gets participants’ hearts racing with excitement! Here’s an idea for a Treasure Fishing game.

When you think of a summer festival, many people imagine food stalls, right? This time, let’s try a treasure fishing challenge where you use a hook attached to a string to aim for and lift the ring attached to a prize.

The treasures can include snacks, drinks, tumblers, and small goods.

It’s fine to put them in transparent bags so the contents are visible, but setting them up in wrapping paper or paper bags so the contents are hidden could be fun too.

Be sure to give it a try!

A game where you take balloons out of a basket

#day-service-recreation #home-visit-care #day-service #ichikawa-city #fun-workplace #want-to-connect-with-caregivers #nursing-care #gyotoku-care #care-manager #gyotoku #ainet #challenger #summer-festival
A game where you take balloons out of a basket

Let’s work together as a team! Here’s a game idea where you take balloons out of a basket.

Summer often brings to mind uchiwa fans, right? This time, let’s try a unique game that uses uchiwa to lift balloons out of a basket.

You’ll need a stand or table, a deep basket, balloons, and one uchiwa per participant.

Place the basket filled with balloons on the table, and have participants sit around it.

When the signal is given, everyone chants together, “Wasshoi, wasshoi,” while fanning with their uchiwa to get the balloons out of the basket.

It could be even more fun to split into two teams and compete against each other!