[Care Facility] Music Activities that Spread Smiles: Ideas for Large Groups to Enjoy, including Instrument Performances, Intro Quizzes, and Rounds

Tambourine YOUNG MAN

[Brain Training] Let’s try it♪ Tambourine “YOUNG MAN (Y.M.C.A.)” Feel the rhythm! Akiko Yamamoto

Let’s have fun playing the tambourine along with Hideki Saijo’s single “YOUNG MAN (Y.M.C.A.).” The basics are to shake it to jingle the cymbals or tap it with your hand, but as long as it makes a sound, it’s fine to tap it on your elbow, thigh, or wherever you like.

Ringing the tambourine to this rhythmic song is sure to lift your spirits.

Try keeping time cheerfully while looking at the sheet music or listening to a model performance.

Playing together with everyone is highly recommended!

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Piano performance

Sharing memories while listening to a resident’s piano melodies ♡ #nursingcare #careworker #nursinghome #seniorfacility #carestaff #AlphaLiving #Okayama

Moving your fingers stimulates brain activity and is also effective in preventing dementia.

The piano lets you move your fingertips thoroughly, and because you can produce beautiful tones, it also helps relax both body and mind.

The piano generally has the left hand keep the rhythm and the right hand play the melody, which can make it seem difficult, but there are plenty of easy practice pieces.

Start by practicing with one hand at a time.

It can also be fun to split rhythm and melody and play a duet with two people.

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Plastic Bottle Maracas — The Hill Where Mandarin Blossoms Bloom

“Mikan no Hana Saku Oka” with PET-bottle maracas (cognitive decline prevention exercise)

Maracas, which make it easy to keep a beat, are instruments that even beginners can try casually.

However, surprisingly few people actually own them.

So let’s enjoy a music activity with DIY PET bottle maracas you can make with items at home.

PET bottle maracas are easy to make—just put rice or beads inside a plastic bottle and you’re done.

The tone changes depending on what you put in, so try making several and switch them up to match the music.

There’s no set way to shake them, so keep the rhythm in your own style.

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Rhythm de Mambo ~Music Therapy~

Rhythm de Mambo ~Music Therapy~

Let’s all face each other and keep the beat with instruments! For the performance, use rhythm instruments like tambourines, maracas, and drums.

You can also use everyday items such as buckets, washboards, or water dippers.

Have fun keeping time to Latin music like the “Mambo.” Instrument-based recreation not only stimulates the brain but is also effective for maintaining muscle strength.

If you attach castanets to your feet and tap out rhythms, you’ll move your lower body too, turning it into a full-body workout.

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An ensemble with household items

Music Therapy: Fun Ensemble Edition

This is a musical activity that’s like an orchestra, with a staff member acting as the conductor and giving instructions to older adults.

What makes it fun is that the “instruments” aren’t instruments at all, but ladles, spoons, dippers, and washboards.

Another key point is that the person indicated by the conductor stands up from their chair to perform.

Of course, those who can’t stand don’t need to force themselves, but standing can make it feel like a solo performance, letting you enjoy being the star.

Don’t worry about pitch—just have fun keeping the rhythm to the music.

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Rin: The Season of Love

Tapping with bells♪ “Season of Love”

Here’s an introduction to a bell-based music activity.

The song we’ll use is Pinky & The Killers’ “Koi no Kisetsu,” released in 1968.

In this activity, you’ll keep the rhythm while moving your body.

First, after singing one phrase, ring the bell twice with a light tap next to your face.

Then, while singing the next phrase, move the bell to the other side and ring it the same way.

Continue like this from the beginning up to just before the chorus.

When you reach the chorus, move the bell up and down as you ring it four times.

Match the tempo of the song, take your time without rushing, and enjoy keeping the rhythm.

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Naruko Soran Gymnastics

[Soran Bushi × Exercise] Just 3 minutes a day boosts seniors’ muscle strength!!

An instrument-based activity that can also help build strength is the “Naruko Soran Exercise.” This exercise is done while sitting in a chair, keeping rhythm with naruko clappers.

As you click the naruko, move your arms according to the choreography.

Enjoy stretching your arms straight forward and slowly swinging them from side to side.

At the end, you’ll add some marching with your feet for a full-body workout, so you might break a light sweat by the time you’re done.

Naruko can sometimes be found at 100-yen shops, but you can also make them from recycled materials.

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