[For Seniors] Brain-training with winter-themed quizzes. Great for activities, killing time, and dementia prevention.

shepherd

Candy shaped like canes are hung on Christmas trees, right? In Christianity, they are said to symbolize shepherds. They are also said to represent Saint Nicholas’s bishop’s staff.

Dent the area slightly below the drinking spout.

By denting the can slightly with your finger just below the opening, you change how the liquid and kernels flow inside a can of corn soup, making it easier for the corn kernels to move smoothly toward the spout. When you drink normally, the kernels tend to get stuck just before the opening, but creating a dent forms a slope inside the can, allowing you to finish even the kernels that would otherwise be left behind. This method has been featured on TV programs and the like, and it’s a handy little tip to know.

Because women have less muscle mass compared to men

One reason cold sensitivity is more common in women is that women generally have less muscle mass than men. Muscles generate body heat and help promote blood circulation throughout the body. With less muscle mass, the ability to produce heat is reduced, making the body more prone to feeling cold. Additionally, women are more likely to experience poor circulation due to hormonal factors, which is another reason cold sensitivity is more prevalent. Therefore, building muscle and keeping the body warm can help prevent or alleviate cold sensitivity.

Grain size

Both “hyo” (hail) and “arare” (graupel/small hail) are ice pellets that fall from the sky, but the difference lies in their size. Pellets with a diameter smaller than 5 mm are called “arare,” and those 5 mm or larger are called “hyo.” While both are the same in being ice pellets, their names change depending on size. Both can be observed as natural phenomena in winter, so try looking up at the sky with care.

To welcome the Toshigami (New Year deity)

A kadomatsu is a traditional New Year’s decoration placed at entrances of homes. It is made with pine and bamboo, which serve as markers to welcome the toshigami, the deity of the year, into the home. The toshigami is believed to bring happiness, health, and a good harvest for the new year, so displaying a kadomatsu is thought to invite good fortune into the household. For this reason, it is not merely a decoration but carries an important meaning as a way to welcome the deity.

Because the air is dry

Static electricity often occurs in winter when the air is dry. When it’s dry, there is less sweat and moisture, making it harder for the electricity accumulated in your body to dissipate. As a result, when you touch metal objects like doorknobs, the electricity discharges all at once, causing a sharp zap. Conversely, when the humidity is high, electricity can naturally escape from your body more easily, so static electricity is less likely to occur. That’s why you need to be careful about static electricity in winter.

winter yellowtail

In winter, yellowtail accumulate plenty of fat as the water temperature drops, becoming exceptionally delicious. They are called “kanburi,” with the peak season especially from December to February. Kanburi is exquisite as sashimi or teriyaki, characterized by its rich fat and firm flesh. It’s also rich in healthful nutrients like DHA and EPA, making it recommended for older adults. It’s a handy bit of knowledge to remember as a seasonal winter delicacy.