[For Seniors] Enjoy Summer to the Fullest! Fun Summer-Only Activities Introduced

Tanabata game

Today's Lesson ~Tanabata Game~

There’s also the legend that on Tanabata, Orihime and Hikoboshi, separated by the Milky Way, are able to meet just once a year.

Here’s a game inspired by the story of Orihime and Hikoboshi.

Use a vinyl cord to create the Milky Way on the floor.

Players take the role of Hikoboshi and toss beanbags toward Orihime, who is placed at the end of the vinyl cord.

Place Orihime the farthest away; if a beanbag reaches her spot, the player gets the highest score.

You can make it even more exciting by setting up sections between the Milky Way and Orihime that award small points or result in a miss.

It’s a game that seems likely to foster interaction among participants, including older adults.

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Nakajima Junko

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Tankō Bushi danced while seated in a chair

Tanking-bushi danced while sitting on 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.

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Nakajima Junko

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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

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.

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Nakajima Junko

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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

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.

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kojifumi

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Fireworks game

“Fireworks game” to close out the summer. If you’ve had fewer chances to set off or go see fireworks, let’s make a grand display to end the season!

Let us introduce a game themed around fireworks, a hallmark of summer.

For preparation, attach masking tape radially onto a hula hoop with the adhesive side facing outward.

If the stickiness is weak, try using clear OPP tape as well.

Once you have the hula hoop target that resembles fireworks and some balls, you’re ready to go.

Ask the seniors to throw the balls at the target; the number of balls that stick to the target becomes their score.

After the game, the colorful balls will decorate the “fireworks,” letting everyone enjoy a touch of summer ambience.

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sasashina

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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

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.

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kappamaki

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Treasure Fishing

Okayama City Day Service Summer Festival Final Chapter Day 1

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!