For seniors: Simple and exciting! Ideas for staff performances
In many nursing and welfare facilities, events that match the season and special occasions are often held, right?
Aren’t the staff the ones planning and hosting summer festivals, Respect-for-the-Aged Day celebrations, Christmas events, and more?
You want to put on performances and entertainment that will delight the elderly at these events.
So this time, we’re introducing “Simple! Staff Performance Ideas.”
We’ve included easy options that you can pull off even when you don’t have many days to prepare or much time to practice.
We’ve gathered a wide range of ideas—from things staff can perform to activities in which the elderly can participate.
Use this article as a reference to help your event come alive and turn into a wonderful day.
- [For Staff] Energize Your Nursing Home Respect-for-the-Aged Day! Performance Ideas Full of Laughter and Emotion
- Entertainment and Performances That Delight at Day Services for the Elderly
- For Seniors: Fun Entertainment That Excites at Nursing Homes
- [For Staff at Elderly Care Facilities] Simple Performances to Liven Up a Year-End Party
- Recommended fun performances that will appeal to elderly people
- Performances to Liven Up New Year Parties for Elderly Care Facility Staff
- For Seniors: Fun for Everyone! Christmas Party Activity Ideas
- [Respect-for-the-Aged Day Celebration] Crowd-Pleasing Performances: Ideas That Staff Can Enjoy Too
- [Respect-for-the-Aged Celebration] Guaranteed to Get Everyone Excited! Introducing Perfect Plans to Celebrate Longevity
- Entertainment ideas for year-end parties that seniors will enjoy
- [Christmas Party at the Nursing Home] Staff Take on the Challenge! Fun Performances Everyone Can Enjoy
- [Respect-for-the-Aged Day Celebration] Laughter All Around! Ideas for Performances and Games You Can Enjoy While Seated
- For Seniors: Fun and Lively Exercise Recreation
For Seniors: Simple and Exciting! Staff Performance Ideas (31–40)
kayo show (Japanese pop music show)
https://www.tiktok.com/@appare_toyokawa/video/7483314970449546504When it comes to classics that add flair to a summer festival, nothing beats a “kayō show.” Staff dress up in kimonos or gowns and perform nostalgic pop songs, prompting handclaps and humming from the crowd.
Some people’s eyes light up the moment a Showa-era hit starts playing.
There’s room for laughs with small dance moves, staging, and props, and it works whether you aim for a mellow, heartfelt mood or a lively, festive one.
Even if you’re not a strong singer, wholehearted role-playing draws applause.
It’s a performance that creates a warm moment where nostalgia and smiles overflow together.
Festival Mambo

Here are some ideas to brighten up your summer festival, all danced to the cheerful rhythm of “Omatsuri Mambo.” With just a few clever touches to costumes and movement, the performance becomes much more captivating and draws the audience’s attention.
You can go with classic synchronized choreography, or deliberately use quirky moves to get laughs and pump up the crowd.
The lively, fun melody spreads through the whole venue, creating a sense of unity that makes people want to clap along.
Even without flashy props, it’s more than enjoyable—this piece shines with the performers’ creativity, which is part of its charm.
Hanekko Dance

The Hanekko dance of the Aomori Nebuta Festival is characterized by lively shouts of “Rassera!” and energetic, bounding movements.
When staff members appear in happi coats and dance to the rhythm while ringing bells, the entire venue instantly takes on a festive atmosphere.
The hopping motions are fun to watch, and they’re sure to make seniors want to join in with clapping and cheers.
Big, bold moves spark laughter, and you’ll see people here and there trying to imitate them.
It’s an act that blends flashiness with approachability—the perfect generator of excitement.
While evoking Tohoku tradition, this energetic performance delivers the full force of summer’s spirit.
Japanese taiko drum

If you want to liven up a summer festival, a “wadaiko” (Japanese drum) performance is highly recommended! The powerful sound of the drums fills the venue with excitement and spreads smiles to everyone watching.
One of the charms is that you can enjoy Bon Odori along with the drum rhythms, and even those who aren’t confident about dancing will find their bodies moving naturally when they hear the familiar beat.
Drumming together, dancing together, and getting excited together will become the best memory of the summer festival.
Give this idea a try to create a lively, energetic summer moment!
Hige Dance

The Hige Dance, which was hugely popular in the Showa era.
The Drifters’ Ken Shimura and Cha Kato wore fake mustaches and silently performed various gags—an unforgettable sight.
Back then, many children were glued to the TV to watch the Hige Dance.
Many older adults have probably seen it at least once, too.
Because the Hige Dance is familiar to seniors, it’s also recommended for birthday recreation.
Have the staff put on a Hige Dance performance.
Try doing tricks to the distinctive Hige Dance melody.
If staff with fake mustaches perform silently, it’s likely to get seniors excited.
Even seniors who don’t know the Hige Dance will probably be captivated by the staff’s act.
[For Seniors] Easy and Exciting! Staff Performance Ideas (41–50)
Matsuken Samba

Released in 2004, “Matsuken Samba” is apparently still popular today.
The Matsuken Samba collaboration café held in Shibuya, Tokyo, drew huge crowds—the numbered tickets sold out, and the items on sale became a hot topic.
Many people, including seniors who might find it energizing, seem to love “Matsuken Samba.” Ken Matsudaira singing and dancing in dazzling costumes leaves a strong impression.
If you perform the song and dance from “Matsuken Samba” at a birthday party, it’s sure to be a hit.
Of course, we also recommend that the staff members performing wear flashy, glamorous outfits.
Shopping Boogie

“Kaimono Boogie” was released in 1950 (Showa 25) and became a big hit.
Many seniors have probably heard it, haven’t they? It has also been covered by many artists up to the present day.
With its cheerful, lively melody, just listening to “Kaimono Boogie” makes your heart feel light.
Why not have the staff put on a dance performance to the song? If you dress up like a housewife going shopping, wearing an apron, it’ll be perfect.
Both men and women can get into character as housewives and perform the dance for a fun birthday party.
It’s sure to satisfy the seniors as well.


