Check out our Bean Bag Toss! A form of exercise for seniors in aged care! This light exercise game is a popular choice for aged care facilities. We’ve provided a few examples below to illustrate different variations, allowing you to choose the best fit for your activity.
Equipment needed:
To set up this bean bag toss activity, you only need a few simple items. Most aged care homes, senior centers, or activity rooms will already have many of these on hand.
| Bean bags | Use soft, lightweight bean bags that are easy for seniors to hold and throw. If you don’t have bean bags, small fabric pouches filled with rice or dried beans can also work. |
| Floor mat, sheet, or large piece of cardboard | This will be used as the target area. You can place it flat on the floor and mark different scoring zones. |
| Marker or printed numbers | Write numbers directly onto the mat, sheet, or cardboard to create scoring areas. You can also use printable number templates for a neater display. |
| Masking tape | Use tape to secure the mat to the floor and mark the throwing line. This helps keep the activity area safe and organized. |
| Whiteboard or paper for scoring | Keep track of individual or team scores so everyone can follow along and enjoy the friendly competition. |
| Chairs | Have chairs available for participants who prefer to play seated. This makes the activity more accessible for seniors with limited mobility or balance concerns. |
How to Set Up the Game
Choose a clear, open space where participants can safely sit or stand. Place the target mat, sheet, or cardboard flat on the floor and secure the corners with masking tape.
Use masking tape to mark a throwing line, about 2 meters from the target or closer if needed. Arrange chairs near the line for residents who prefer to play seated.
Place the bean bags within easy reach and set up a whiteboard or paper nearby to record scores. Before starting, briefly explain that players will take turns tossing bean bags onto the target, aiming for the highest scoring areas.
How to Play the Bean Bag Toss:
Divide participants into two teams and ask each team to choose a fun team name. Write the team names on a whiteboard to keep score.
Mark a throwing line with masking tape, about 2 meters from the mat or closer if needed. Seat teams on either side of the playing area, with a chair near the line for residents who prefer to throw while seated.
1. Choose the first player
Start with one participant from the first team. Each player takes their turn from behind the throwing line.
2. Give the player six bean bags
Each player has six throws per turn. They can stand at the line or sit in the chair if that is more comfortable.
3. Toss one bean bag at a time
The player gently throws each bean bag onto the mat, trying to land on the highest numbered scoring area.
4. Add up the score
After all six bean bags have been thrown, add together the numbers where the bean bags landed.
5. Record the score
Write the player’s score on the whiteboard under their team name. You can also record the player’s name beside their score, especially if you would like to award a small prize to the highest scorers of the day.
6. Continue with the next team
Take turns between teams so everyone has a chance to play. Encourage cheering, clapping, and friendly support from both sides.
7. Announce the winners
At the end of the game, add up the team scores to find the winning team. You may also like to announce the top two individual scorers and offer a small prize.
Tip: Keep the game light-hearted and flexible. The goal is not just to win, but to encourage gentle movement, laughter, focus, and social connection.
Scoring Ideas
Add together the numbers where each player’s bean bags land and write the score on the whiteboard.
For team play, add each player’s score to their team total. You can also record individual scores and announce the highest scorers at the end.
Small prizes, certificates, stickers, or a round of applause can make the game feel extra fun and rewarding.
