[For Seniors] Fun Winter Activities: Recreation and Games
We’d like to introduce recreational activities and games that older adults can enjoy during the still-chilly winter season.
Winter is full of occasions like New Year’s and Valentine’s Day.
Many senior and care facilities may be planning events that match these occasions.
With our “Recreation and Games for Older Adults to Enjoy in Winter,” your events might become even more enjoyable.
We also have ideas for activities that are usually played outdoors but can be done in a warm indoor setting.
From activities you can focus on and enjoy alone to ones that a small group can tackle together and get excited about, we’ve prepared a wide variety.
We hope everyone can fully enjoy winter indoors while still feeling the season.
- [For Seniors] Recommended in December! Safe and Fun Indoor Recreation
- [For Seniors] Enjoy the Cold Winter! Seated Activities You Can Do
- [For Seniors] January Activities and Recreation Games
- [For Seniors] Simple Tabletop Games: Fun and Engaging Recreational Activities
- [For Seniors] Simple Recreational Activities You Can Enjoy While Seated
- [For Seniors] Fun Recreational Activities Without Equipment
- [For Seniors] Easy and fun seated activities you can do in your room
- [For Seniors] Recreational Activities Enjoyable in Large Groups
- [For Seniors] Enjoyable Indoor Activities! Recreations and Games That Engage the Mind and Body
- [For Seniors] Enjoyable Day Service: A Collection of Fun Event Ideas
- [For Seniors] Enjoy safely even during the COVID-19 pandemic: Seated activities
- [For Seniors] Winter Haiku: Introducing Beautiful Masterpieces by Famous Haiku Poets
- For Seniors: Fun Activities in February — Celebrate Setsubun, Valentine’s Day, and Snow
[For Seniors] Fun Winter Activities: Recreations and Games (21–30)
New Year’s party
Some people may feel that exchanging New Year’s greetings only through cards is a bit lonely.
You’d rather meet in person and enjoy a lively chat, right? In that case, how about hosting a New Year’s gathering? Invite people you feel comfortable with—friends you see regularly, folks you meet at a senior facility, or members of a club or hobby group—and spend a pleasant time together.
If it’s just for a few hours, you don’t need elaborate dishes—simple is fine! At New Year’s parties held in care facilities, performances by the staff can also be a highlight.
It would be wonderful if older adults could start the year feeling cheerful and uplifted!
Setsubun Newspaper Bean-Throwing Game
February, when the cold is at its peak.
Why not try a seasonal newspaper bean-throwing game? This is a recreation activity tailored for Setsubun.
First, hand out newspapers, tear them into pieces, and crumple them into “beans.” The beans can be any size—large or small.
This process also serves as a finger and hand exercise.
Next, set up a box with an oni (demon) face on it and have participants throw the beans into it.
You can make it a point-based game by competing to see who gets the most beans in the box, which is sure to liven things up.
Or, everyone can work together to fill the box with beans.
singing contest
There are probably many people who don’t feel like the year is over unless they watch the Red and White Song Battle (Kōhaku Uta Gassen).
Here’s a recreation activity inspired by that year-end staple.
It’s a program with song-themed ideas that aims for everyone to have fun rather than to compete.
Try incorporating various segments, such as elements of a karaoke contest or a corner where everyone does simple choreography together.
While leaning into the Kōhaku vibe might make it more exciting if there’s a declared winner, it could be better to come up with an ending that lets the “losing” side enjoy it too.
New Year’s gift game
A great option even for people who aren’t good at fine-motor tasks is the Otoshidama Game! Cut a round hole in the center of a cardboard sheet and drop balls through the hole.
Set a time limit and compete to see who can drop the most balls—it gets super lively! It’s easy to make, too; as long as you have cardboard and some balls, anyone can whip it up in no time.
Since you can play while seated, everyone can enjoy it together.
Soy shooting
@karitasunosato This is Hamanomiya Shouchikuen Day Service 🤗 Setsubun marks the turning of the seasons. Spring is already just around the corner 🙌🏻💕CaregivingCertified Care WorkerTranslationRecreationStrikeoutSetsubunFun timeLovely smile
♬ Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You) – Kelly Clarkson
For the February tradition of Setsubun, try enjoying “soy shooting.” It’s basically a strikeout-style game where you throw balls—standing in for beans—at targets featuring illustrations of oni (demons) and compete for points.
Since it feels like demon-slaying, it’s perfect for a Setsubun event.
Using photos of acquaintances for the oni illustrations could make it unique and lively.
You can buy ready-made strikeout sets, but it’s also possible to make one yourself with cardboard and other materials.
It can be played while seated, too, so everyone can join in and drive away misfortune together.
Setsubun pinata whacking
@cs.matsuyama TranslationSetsubun 2022Pinata WhackingRecreation
♬ Original Song – Care Support Matsuyama – Care Support Matsuyama
Piñata breaking originated in Mexico, but in recent years it’s been seen at various events in Japan as well.
At birthday parties and Halloween, you hit it with a stick and candy comes out, so it’s especially popular with kids.
How about trying a Setsubun-themed version of a piñata? Naturally, decorate the piñata like an oni (demon), and have older participants take a few swings to help relieve stress.
Be sure to adjust how easy it is to break to suit the participants.
Tango of the Red Ogre and the Blue Ogre
@e6u42 [Day Service Center E-Yu] The Tango of the Red Ogre and the Blue Ogre#Asahikawa#Asahikawatranslation#WelfareCaregiverCaregivingElderlyNurse#CareManagerCare ManagerHome-visit nursingHelper RecruitmentCaregiver recruitment#AssistiveDevices#WantToConnectWithCaregiversResidential fee-based nursing homeLikeLike-backLooking for followsFollow meTranslationDay service recreation#vr360-degree cameraLooking for followsSetsubunDemon#Setsubun Bento
♬ Fun Fun Fun Fun Fun Fun – Parry Gripp
The Red Ogre and Blue Ogre Tango is a game that uses your hands and also works as a visual exercise.
Prepare several cards on the table, each with illustrations of a red ogre on one side and a blue ogre on the other.
When someone says “red,” flip each card so the red ogre side is facing up.
When they say “blue,” flip them to the opposite side.
Don’t stack the cards—spread them out in different positions so it also becomes a mental exercise to locate the cards.
A faster, more energetic call-and-response might make the game even more exciting.
Have fun and give it a try!
