[For Seniors] Fun Winter Activities: Recreation and Games

Shimenawa wreath making

[Senior Recreation] Easy New Year’s Shimenawa Wreath Using Newspaper [Craft/DIY] New Year decoration

When it comes to important events that arrive in winter, New Year’s is at the top of the list.

Many people probably hang a shimenawa every year, wishing for a good year ahead.

If you try making a shimenawa yourself, it will carry your feelings and care, and I think it will make your New Year’s wishes even more meaningful.

Form a ring by tightly shaping newspaper, then wrap it with crepe sheets to create the base of the shimenawa.

After that, craft and attach decorations that evoke the New Year—such as a fan or camellias—and it’s complete.

The key points are how easy it is to make and how gorgeous the finished piece looks.

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kappamaki

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Round-robin shogi for everyone to enjoy

[Shogi] [2021] We played Mawari Shogi and it took an unexpected turn lol [Stay Home]

Do you know about Shogi Day? It is said that November 17 was designated based on the fact that during the time of the eighth shogun, Tokugawa Yoshimune, there was an annual “Castle Shogi Day,” when playing shogi before the shogun was an official duty.

So how about enjoying “Mawari Shogi,” a version that even people unfamiliar with shogi can have fun with? Also called “Maru Shogi,” it’s basically like a board game similar to sugoroku that uses shogi pieces.

If many people are playing, a regular shogi board is a bit small, so it might be good to prepare a large, handmade board.

By the way, Go Day is January 5—easy to remember, isn’t it?

mochi pounding

We became a 'big family' through a symbiotic model. Mochi pounding (making kagami mochi).

When it comes to winter fun, nothing beats mochi pounding! Many of you probably have memories of making kagami mochi at home at the end of the year.

If you have a mortar and pestle, you can do it indoors; working near the kitchen makes it easy to move the heavy steamed glutinous rice.

Take turns with the mallet, and take a break when you get tired.

Mochi pounding in a circle with everyone is sure to be a blast!

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Tani Satoko

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Christmas tree curling

[Christmas Activity] Curling Game! Easy to make once and use forever! A game you can play even during the COVID-19 pandemic! (Elderly care activity / Kids activity)

Christmas tree curling is a winter recreation you can enjoy indoors.

Since you use your fingers to play, it also serves as exercise for your hands.

Because controlling your strength is important, it can help build concentration.

Keeping score seems like a good mental workout, too.

It’s a game you can enjoy together with older adults.

With everyone getting excited, you might even forget the winter chill.

You can also feel the Christmas atmosphere and have a lovely time.

Why not give it a try with older adults?

Christmas Association Brain Training

Easy! A whiteboard brain-training activity you should definitely try at Christmas [Recreation for seniors]

Colorful decorations adorn the facility during the Christmas season.

Some older adults may be feeling their spirits lift.

Here’s a recommendation for a warm and festive activity: “Christmas Association Brain Training.” In the “Association Brain Training,” invite older adults to think of “things that come to mind when they think of Christmas.” Write the words they come up with on a whiteboard.

In the “Color Brain Training,” have them think of colors that evoke Christmas and write those on the whiteboard as well.

Both games help with cognitive training.

Crossword puzzle

[Easy! Crossword Puzzle] Brain Training for Seniors! Fill the blanks with hiragana [Fill-in-the-blank Quiz] #2

How about enjoying crossword puzzles with older adults in a warm indoor setting during the cold winter season? In fact, December 21 is Crossword Puzzle Day, and the United States is said to be the origin of this commemorative day.

Many senior care facilities incorporate crosswords as a recreational activity.

Solving the puzzles engages brain functions such as reasoning and memory, which is said to help stimulate the brain.

For those comfortable with the internet, using a tablet to try new puzzles online is another option.

On Crossword Puzzle Day and similar occasions, try explaining the significance of the day and giving it a go.

Create this year’s Kanji of the Year as a collage

Taught by an occupational therapist: Anyone can do it! How to make “collage letters” with simple scissor cuts [Chill Out with Crafts] #1

Creating this year’s kanji through collage is a perfect, enjoyable activity for older adults.

By cutting out letters and photos from magazines and newspapers, they can craft an entirely new worldview.

Using 100-yen shop stickers and stamps makes preparation easy, too.

The appeal lies in the freedom to create with any design they like.

Tweezers allow for precise placement, and using the fingertips also serves as brain training.

It’s also fascinating how different combinations of materials can produce new meanings.

This seems like a wonderful winter recreation that will stimulate seniors’ sensibility and imagination.