[For Seniors] Fun Winter Activities: Recreation and Games

Making Valentine’s chocolates

[Senior Recreation] Rec Craftsman Series Part 231: “Simple! Delicious! Cheesecake in Chocolate”

Why not try making chocolate for Valentine’s Day on February 14? I especially recommend “cheesecake-in-chocolate.” Melting store-bought chocolate and shaping it into an original form is a classic method, but it can sometimes set too hard.

That makes it harder to eat, so the key is to find ways to keep the texture on the softer side.

There are several methods, so try looking some up.

By the way, adding cheese gives a pleasant tang and a light, refreshing taste.

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yamamoto

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Winter wall decoration

Kimie Gangi’s “Winter Wall Display” — Posted in Winter

Winter-themed wall decorations are so festive with all kinds of motifs! Snowmen are easy to make—just cut two circles out of white construction paper and put them together.

If you use different colors and patterns for accessories like buttons and scarves, each decoration will have its own personality.

For those who can handle fine cutting, have them cut origami into snowflakes, too.

The wall will instantly feel wintery!

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Tani Satoko

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Cold-weather prevention exercises

[Elderly] Get your body ready for winter! Cold-weather countermeasures with warming exercises [Health Exercises]

For the cold winter months, we recommend “cold-weather prevention exercises” that let you have fun while keeping your body warm.

By incorporating movements that raise and lower your toes, you can improve circulation to every corner of your body and prevent chills.

The movements are simple, so even older adults can do them without strain.

Moving your body also boosts your metabolism, warming you up from head to toe.

Because this is a season when we feel the cold more easily, doing these exercises can also help maintain your health.

If everyone moves together, it can become a fun time to socialize as well.

Be sure to enjoy winter in a warm indoor space and stay active and energetic.

Ehomaki Rolling Game

[Setsubun Activity] Brain training + finger/hand rehab with the Ehomaki Rolling Game!

We eat ehomaki on Setsubun, right? This “Ehomaki Rolling Game” is a ritual to ward off bad luck where you make ehomaki using a non-slip mat and white filter paper from a 100-yen shop, and colored paper sticks as the fillings.

The wrapping order is: nori (seaweed) → rice → tuna → cucumber → egg → shiitake mushrooms → sakura denbu (sweet pink fish flakes).

Once it’s rolled, face that year’s lucky direction and say, “Oni wa soto, fuku wa uchi” (Demons out, luck in), and teammates should celebrate the exorcism by shouting “Banzai!” You can split into two teams and have each person make an ehomaki in turn to see which team finishes first, or skip the competition and just enjoy it together as an event.

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sasashina

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Hand play song “Daruma-san, let’s have a staring contest”

Daruma-san, let’s play a staring game [children’s play song]

The Daruma-san hand play song is very famous, isn’t it? Almost everyone probably remembers singing and playing it as a child.

It’s a simple game where two people face each other, sing, and at “appuppu” make a funny face to make the other laugh, but it’s fun even for adults.

Making different expressions uses your facial muscles, and thinking about what face to make is a good workout for your brain.

Even if you lose, it leaves you smiling, so it’s a game that brightens the mood.

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Tani Satoko

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Making next year’s calendar

[Calendar Making] A classic event at our day service. We choose a seasonal theme and create next month’s calendar. (Shōwa Wago-kai Social Welfare Corporation)

Creating next year’s calendar is a lovely winter recreation for older adults.

Using torn-paper collage makes it a fun, creative activity.

By cutting out or tearing your favorite materials—newspapers, magazines, or colored paper—you can craft a one-of-a-kind calendar.

As you keep your hands moving and let your imagination expand, your concentration will naturally improve.

Enjoying it together with friends can also become a wonderful memory for the coming year.

Savor the sense of accomplishment from making it yourself, and let your anticipation for the new year grow.

Christmas exercises you can do while sitting in a chair

A Christmas sing-along exercise you can do while seated [Jingle Bells] — a fun rhythm workout for seniors and older adults. Song by: ukureremaskman

Here’s an introduction to Christmas exercises you can do while sitting in a chair.

Let’s move along to Christmas songs, stretching your arms and moving your legs.

These exercises are expected to improve blood circulation and help reduce swelling.

Many older adults have probably heard or sung Christmas songs at least once, right? Exercises set to familiar songs seem easier to try.

Some of the choreography also matches the imagery of the lyrics, making it easier to remember and move your body.

It’s fine to wait until you’re used to it, but try singing while you exercise!