Performances to Liven Up New Year Parties for Elderly Care Facility Staff
A New Year’s party is an event to celebrate the start of a new year and refresh our spirits.
Of course we exchange New Year’s greetings, but we also want to make it a joyful gathering where we can share the excitement of the year’s beginning.
With that in mind, we’ve put together ideas for performances and activities suitable for a New Year’s party for staff.
Many of these are primarily carried out by staff members, but it’s even more enjoyable if you find ways for older adults to join in—like clapping along or singing together.
Preparing props for a lion dance or making omikuji (fortune slips) can be a lot of work, but it could be nice to have the older adults help during a pre–New Year’s party recreation session.
- [For Seniors] Lively! Entertainment Ideas for New Year’s Parties
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- [For Seniors] Recommended Songs for New Year’s Parties: Nursery Rhymes, Children’s Songs, and Popular Songs to Liven Up Even on Cold Days
- [For Staff at Elderly Care Facilities] Simple Performances to Liven Up a Year-End Party
- Entertainment ideas for year-end parties that seniors will enjoy
- [For seniors] January health topics: A roundup of popular recreational activities from exercises and crafts to New Year’s games
- [For Seniors] Simple Recreational Activities You Can Enjoy While Seated
- Recreation Activities to Liven Up January Events for Seniors
- [Christmas Party at the Nursing Home] Staff Take on the Challenge! Fun Performances Everyone Can Enjoy
- Entertainment and Performances That Delight at Day Services for the Elderly
- [For Staff] Energize Your Nursing Home Respect-for-the-Aged Day! Performance Ideas Full of Laughter and Emotion
- [For Seniors] Brighten Up Your New Year’s Party: A Collection of Handmade Decoration Ideas
- For Seniors: Fun and Lively Exercise Recreation
[For Staff at Elderly Care Facilities] Entertainment Ideas to Liven Up New Year’s Parties (21–30)
HAND CLAP
HAND CLAP, which gained popularity after a video was released in 2017.
The hand clap dance, performed to the song “HAND CLAP,” is characterized by big arm and leg movements and energetic jumping.
Because this dance is highly effective for burning fat, it involves large, dynamic movements.
If the staff perform a sharp, energetic routine, older adults are likely to enjoy it as well.
It’s recommended to perform it as a small group with synchronized choreography.
It should also be satisfying for seniors celebrating their birthdays to watch the dance.
Additionally, if you modify the choreography so it can be done seated, older adults can participate too.
Please give it a try.
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.
fashion show
A birthday party that celebrates longevity and expresses daily gratitude.
How about holding a fashion show as part of this wonderful birthday event? Invite seniors to wear outfits connected to their lives or ones they’ve always wanted to try.
Choosing among dresses, kimonos, and more can make for an enjoyable time in itself.
And be sure to spend time on makeup, too.
Just as there is makeup therapy that incorporates psychological techniques, some people feel lighter and brighter after a makeover.
Walking the runway with staff members, just like a real fashion show, is sure to get everyone excited.
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.
Season of Love
Let’s perform a dance to Pinky & the Killers’ song “Koi no Kisetsu” for an older adult’s birthday.
Just like Pinky & the Killers, wear a rounded derby hat with a curled brim and dance.
Of course, singing is a great option too.
Both the dance and the song set to “Koi no Kisetsu” are likely to delight seniors.
Some may even have personal memories connected to this song.
As they listen, it might bring back recollections of those days.
It’s a recreation activity that can spark conversation and make the celebration even livelier.