[For Seniors] Enjoyable Indoor Activities! Recreations and Games That Engage the Mind and Body

Fox Dance

Let’s dance the “Fox Dance” in the caregiving setting! [Rehabilitation Day Salon ‘Umi’] Day service (daycare) in Yokosuka City

Let me introduce the Fox Dance that you can enjoy together with older adults.

It’s recommended because you can move your body while sitting in a chair.

After making a fox shape with your hands, use your arms and hands to dance.

The song has a quick tempo, but move within a comfortable range.

Once you get used to the moves, it could be fun to add some marching steps from the second round.

When it’s time to turn your neck, be careful to avoid falls.

The Fox Dance might be a great opportunity to spark new communication!

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mayumi

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Hotto Atto Nanto Taisō

Hotto Atto Nanto Taiso.wmv

“Hotto Atto Nanto” is the catchphrase of Nanto City in Toyama Prefecture.

It conveys a sense of security and comfort, giving you a feel for the atmosphere of Nanto.

“From the Green Village” is a song created to commemorate the 5th anniversary of Nanto City’s merger, and let’s move our bodies along with this song.

Despite its slow tempo, the uplifting lyrics of “From the Green Village” bring a calm, peaceful feeling.

It’s a song that resonates with older adults as well.

The rhythm is just right for seniors to move their bodies to, so please give it a try.

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Nakajima Junko

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Slow aerobics to the tune of “Alps Ichiman-jaku”

Let's try slow aerobics! ~Alps Ichiman-jaku, chair version~

As people age, many find it bothersome to move their bodies.

Let’s get moving with slow aerobics that can be done while seated in a chair.

As the name suggests, slow aerobics involves gently moving your body to music.

It’s said to help raise heart rate and encourage breathing even for older adults who don’t have many opportunities to exercise.

It’s recommended to do rhythmic exercises to familiar songs—like “Alps Ichiman-jaku”—that many seniors know well.

Moving to music can also help bring out a sense of fun in older adults.

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Nakajima Junko

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Rhythmic gymnastics on a journey of the heart

A seated sing-along exercise “Kokoro no Tabi – Tulip”: rhythm exercises for seniors #seniors #exercise

Let me introduce a rhythm exercise you can do on a gentle, melody-filled journey of the heart.

While seated, clap along with the song and alternately touch the insides of your knees.

Cross your arms in front of your chest as if placing your hands on your shoulders.

Moving your feet in step as well may also serve as a good workout for the brain.

The key is to move your whole body with large motions, but only within a comfortable, enjoyable range.

When you move, try to include your facial expressions and feelings too—you may find it even more fun to sing your heart’s journey.

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Slow aerobics with Momotaro

Let’s try Slow Aerobics! — Momotaro

Many older adults are likely familiar with the folktale Momotaro.

There’s also a children’s song that tells the story of Momotaro, isn’t there? Let’s try moving our bodies to that song.

This is called slow aerobics, where you move gently in time with the music.

You can do the exercises standing, but they can also be done while seated.

It’s an easy routine for older adults who find standing difficult.

Through gentle, low-strain movements, it may also help you lead a more vibrant, fulfilling daily life.

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Nakajima Junko

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Brain training exercises of see-not, speak-not, hear-not

Brain-training exercises that spark laughter: recreational activities seniors enjoy, and health exercises.

Let me introduce a brain-training exercise that moves your body and stimulates your mind: the “see no evil, speak no evil, hear no evil” workout.

For “see no evil,” cover your eyes with both hands.

For “hear no evil,” cover your ears with both hands.

For “speak no evil,” cover your mouth with both hands.

When you hear the staff member’s cue, decide which pose it is and move your hands to make that pose.

It can train your reaction speed and thinking skills, and it might even encourage more communication.

Even if you make mistakes, keep it lighthearted—relax and enjoy the exercise!

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Chair exercises in April

[Gentle Exercise] Japan’s April Chair Exercises – Teacher Gobō

As the warm weather sets in, many older adults may feel like moving their bodies and becoming more active.

This time, we’re introducing chair exercises themed around April that you can do indoors.

While seated, reach your hands forward as if you’re catching cherry blossom petals.

We’ll also do some brain training that recalls food stalls at cherry blossom festivals, along with exercises to strengthen your muscles.

By doing exercises and brain training related to April, older adults can get a sense of the season.

And because these exercises are done while sitting in a chair, many older adults can take part.

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Nakajima Junko

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