Engaging in group activities is one of the most effective ways to promote wellbeing among seniors. At Hovi Care, we believe that meaningful social interactions combined with cognitive stimulation create the perfect environment for elderly individuals to thrive. Group games, in particular, offer multiple benefits—they encourage social bonding, stimulate memory, promote physical movement, and most importantly, bring joy to everyday life. Whether in a senior centre or a residential care setting, these activities form an essential part of a holistic approach to elderly care, helping seniors maintain their cognitive abilities while fostering a sense of community and belonging.
Why group activities matter for seniors’ wellbeing
Group activities play a crucial role in supporting the overall wellbeing of seniors. At Hovi Care, we understand that social engagement is a fundamental human need that doesn’t diminish with age. Rather, it becomes even more vital as people enter their later years. Our philosophy is built on providing tools for social, cognitive, and physical rehabilitation, helping elderly individuals lead enjoyable lives filled with meaningful experiences.
Research consistently shows that regular participation in group activities can help preserve cognitive function in older adults. These activities stimulate the brain by challenging it to find patterns, make connections, and think creatively. They require mental flexibility and encourage the brain to adapt and reorganise neural networks, enhancing cognitive reserve. Additionally, group activities provide opportunities for laughter and emotional connection, which can reduce stress and anxiety—common challenges for many seniors.
When seniors participate in group games at Elderly Care Centre, they aren’t just passing time—they’re actively engaging in a form of cognitive and social therapy that supports their overall health. These carefully designed activities align perfectly with our core values of treating each person with individualised care and respect while creating a family-like environment where everyone feels valued.
1: Nature-inspired reminiscence games
Nature has a remarkable ability to evoke powerful memories and emotional responses, especially for older adults. At Hovi Care, we incorporate elements from nature into our group activities to create Green Care experiences that stimulate memory and promote social interaction. Here are four nature-inspired games that connect seniors not only with the natural world but also with their own personal histories:
- Nature Memory Box: Participants sit in a circle and explore a collection of natural items—such as pinecones, smooth stones, shells, or dried flowers. Each person selects one object and shares a memory it evokes, like a childhood trip to the beach or forest walks. This tactile activity promotes memory recall, encourages storytelling, and builds meaningful social connections. It is especially beneficial for individuals living with dementia due to its multisensory engagement.
- Garden Memory Match: Using cards that depict familiar garden elements—flowers, vegetables, or birds native to Finland—participants take turns flipping cards to find matching pairs. The game stimulates cognitive function while the natural imagery adds a calming effect. It also sparks conversations about past gardening experiences or favorite local plants, enriching the reminiscence experience.
- Scented Nature Walk Indoors: Even when outdoor access is limited, an indoor “nature walk” can be created using natural scents such as pine, lavender, or citrus placed at different stations. Participants are invited to smell each scent and share any memories or feelings they associate with it. This sensory activity can unlock vivid memories and foster conversation in a gentle, accessible way.
- Seasonal Nature Collage: Residents create collages using natural materials collected during the current season—like autumn leaves, spring blossoms, or summer grasses. As they build their artwork, participants often reflect on seasonal traditions or life events. This creative exercise combines fine motor skills with emotional expression and group storytelling.
2: Technology-assisted interactive games
Modern technology offers exciting possibilities for engaging group activities in senior care settings. At Hovi Care, we thoughtfully integrate technology into our environments to support rehabilitation, therapy, and entertainment—while maintaining a cosy and stimulating atmosphere. Here are four technology-assisted activities designed to be accessible and enjoyable for seniors of all ability levels:
- Digital Reminiscence Quizzes: Using large-screen tablets or TVs, residents can enjoy interactive quizzes featuring music, historical events, and classic films from their youth. These platforms include rich multimedia—images, songs, and video clips—that trigger memories and inspire lively conversations. Clear turns and structured formats make them perfect for group participation and social connection.
- Motion-Based Games: Adapted bowling, tennis, or dance games using motion-sensing systems encourage gentle physical activity and cognitive engagement. These games provide real-time visual feedback, are easy to learn, and can be tailored to individual mobility levels. The playful competition often leads to shared laughter and bonding among residents.
- Virtual Chair Yoga and Guided Movement Sessions: Seniors can follow along with pre-recorded or live virtual yoga classes designed specifically for seated participants. These sessions enhance flexibility, circulation, and relaxation. Combining gentle movement with technology helps maintain physical wellbeing in a safe and accessible format.
- Creative Apps for Music and Art: Touchscreen apps that enable users to compose simple melodies, paint digital artwork, or explore virtual museums offer a low-barrier entry into creative expression. These activities encourage exploration, boost mood, and often lead to group sharing of creations, adding a rich social element to tech-based creativity.
3: Family-oriented collaborative activities
At Hovi Care, we firmly believe in the importance of family involvement in seniors’ lives. Guided by our philosophy that “elderly services are provided from a family to a family”, we design group activities that foster intergenerational bonding and strengthen the vital connections between seniors and their loved ones. Here are four meaningful, family-friendly activities:
- Classic Board and Card Games: Games like chess, checkers, dominoes, or simple card games offer a familiar and accessible way for grandparents and grandchildren to engage as equals. These activities combine mental stimulation with joyful social interaction, allowing seniors to showcase their skills while spending quality time with family members.
- Collaborative Storytelling Games: Using tools such as “Story Cubes” or “Picture Prompts,” families work together to build imaginative stories. Seniors contribute memories and life experiences, while children add creativity and spontaneity. With permission, stories can be recorded to create treasured keepsakes that preserve family narratives and heritage.
- Family Trivia Challenge: Organizing trivia games that mix questions about family history, local culture, and general knowledge encourages fun learning and shared laughter. Seniors may surprise others with their wisdom, while younger participants bring a fresh perspective—creating a joyful, balanced exchange across generations.
- Memory Album Workshops: Families gather to create scrapbooks or digital albums filled with photos, drawings, and shared stories. These sessions offer a heartfelt way to reflect on family milestones, honor traditions, and celebrate the senior’s life journey—all while reinforcing emotional bonds through collaborative creation.
4: Theme-based creative games
Each Hovi Care unit is designed around a unique theme that reflects its character and strengths. These themes guide our group activities, offering meaningful experiences that promote creativity, community, and wellbeing. Here are four engaging theme-based activities tailored to different units:
- Seasonal Collage-Making: Clients collaborate to create large seasonal collages using magazines, textiles, natural materials, or paint. Each participant contributes according to their interests and abilities—cutting, arranging, or decorating. This activity fosters teamwork, stimulates imagination, and supports cognitive engagement through creative expression.
- Indoor Gardening Groups: Seniors plant and tend herbs, flowers, or small vegetables in accessible containers. The ongoing nature of gardening builds a sense of purpose and responsibility, while sensory experiences—like touching soil or smelling fresh herbs—offer therapeutic benefits and a strong connection to nature.
- Cultural Discovery Days: Residents explore different countries or regions through themed days featuring music, stories, foods, and crafts. This activity encourages cultural exchange, memory sharing, and learning, while stimulating the senses through taste, sound, and touch in a joyful group setting.
- Movement & Memory Circles: Gentle group exercises paired with rhythm, music, or storytelling enhance both physical and mental agility. Whether it’s chair-based stretching to nostalgic tunes or simple routines inspired by daily life, these sessions promote mobility, coordination, and social interaction in a fun, accessible format.
5: Personalised group activities that respect individuality
At Hovi Care, we honor each resident’s individuality by designing group activities that are adaptable, inclusive, and meaningful. Our person-centered approach ensures that every senior can engage in a way that respects their preferences, abilities, and life experiences. Here are four personalized activity ideas:
- Music Reminiscence Playlists: Tailored playlists featuring songs meaningful to individual residents spark joyful memories and storytelling. Group members take turns sharing the personal significance of each song, often singing along or moving to the rhythm. This activity is especially powerful for people living with dementia, as musical memory often remains intact and fosters emotional connection.
- Adaptable Craft Circles: Craft sessions offer varied levels of involvement based on ability—choosing colors, assembling parts, or adding written messages. For example, during card-making, each resident contributes in their own way, reinforcing dignity, self-worth, and creative expression in a shared project.
- Personal Memory Sharing Games: Group games using personal memory prompts—such as “My Favorite Holiday,” “A Childhood Toy,” or “A Memorable Meal”—invite participants to share stories based on their own lives. Visual aids or objects can be used to support communication, ensuring everyone can join in at their own comfort level.
- Customized Sensory Stations: Stations featuring textures, scents, and sounds selected to align with individual preferences provide a calm, engaging environment. These stations can be tailored to personal history—such as the scent of fresh bread for a former baker—and used in small group settings to encourage sensory exploration and connection.
Implementing meaningful group activities in senior care settings
Successful implementation of group activities requires thoughtful planning and a person-centred approach. At Hovi Care, our staff members play a crucial role in facilitating these activities within our ethical framework, ensuring they provide genuine value to the seniors we serve.
Creating a supportive environment is essential for group activities to flourish. Physical spaces should be designed with accessibility in mind, with appropriate lighting, comfortable seating, and minimal background noise. The timing of activities should align with when seniors are typically most alert and receptive. At Hovi Club, our senior activity centre, we carefully consider these factors to maximise engagement and enjoyment.
Staff training in facilitation techniques ensures that group activities achieve their full potential. Facilitators learn to strike the right balance between providing structure and allowing organic interaction, adapting their approach based on the group’s needs. They become skilled at noticing when a participant might need extra encouragement or when an activity should be modified to maintain engagement. This attentive facilitation reflects our commitment to providing warm, memorable service experiences every day.
The games and activities described in this article represent more than just pleasant diversions—they are thoughtfully designed tools for social, cognitive, and physical rehabilitation. By implementing these simple yet effective group activities, senior care settings can help elderly individuals lead enjoyable lives filled with meaningful connections and experiences, honouring the core mission that has guided Hovi Care for over 30 years.
