For seniors in their 80s: Stay healthy while having fun. Introducing dance songs that make you want to move!
Even in your 80s, you might want to stay active and keep your body moving! Perhaps some of you feel that way.
As we get older, our bodies don’t always move the way we want them to, but that doesn’t mean we want to give up.
In this article, we’ll introduce dance songs recommended for people in their 80s.
We’ve selected songs—like popular enka and folk tunes, as well as disco tracks—that people in their 80s will likely know and that will naturally get you moving.
Pick your favorites and give your body a gentle workout.
Start by loosening up slowly, and dance at your own pace while having fun!
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For Seniors in Their 80s: Stay Healthy with Fun—Introducing Dance Songs That Make You Want to Move (21–30)
Soran Bushi
Even the interjections of “hai-hai” that pop up mid-song make Soran Bushi fun.
Do you know which prefecture’s folk song it is? It actually originated in Hokkaido.
I’ve heard it began as a work song to synchronize movements during herring fishing.
It’s said to have four sections, such as “Boat-Rowing Ondo” and “Child-Drumming Ondo,” which makes it quite grand in scope.
In Hokkaido, some schools even dance Soran Bushi at their sports festivals, so it’s a perfect piece for exercise or dance! Try moving your body with choreography you create freely—whether in a Bon Odori style or an exercise style.
disco dance steps
It might just be me, but the word “disco” somehow sounds a bit retro—very Showa era.
These days we’d say “club,” but for many older folks, “club” calls to mind a genteel “kurabu” or social club.
It could be fun to put on some nostalgic Western hits and try a few disco steps.
There are easy dances that even beginners can copy, like the cross step and the bus stop.
Even people who’ve never had any connection to disco will surely have a good time.
For music, I recommend the Bee Gees’ Saturday Night Fever.
For Seniors in Their 80s: Stay Healthy and Have Fun. Introducing Dance Songs That Will Make You Want to Move (31–40)
Hip hop
When you hear “hip-hop,” do you think it’s just for young people? Not at all.
Let’s hop on the rhythm and dance for fun.
Getting everyone together to shout “Yeah!” and dance with high energy can be a great way to shake off your shyness and have a great time.
It’s a dance that gets more and more fun as you go.
Highly recommended if you want to feel as hyped as the younger crowd!
folk dance
If you’ve ever done folk dancing before, now’s the perfect time to try it again with everyone! Clap your hands, join hands, and have fun dancing.
I’m sure it will bring back memories from those days.
The music can be pretty up-tempo too, so it might be a good workout.
How about we all get together and dance, have some fun, and make a bit of noise?
Hibari Misora MedleyMisora Hibari
Hibari Misora, the original diva who kept singing throughout the tumultuous Showa era.
What’s your favorite Hibari song? There’s no way to pick just one—from “Kanashiki Kuchibue” and “Tokyo Kid,” which supported the hearts of Japanese people after the war, to “Ringo Oiwake” and “Omatsuri Mambo,” which captivated the early days of television, her peak-era hits like “Yawara” and “Kanashii Sake,” and her late masterpiece “Kawa no Nagare no Yō ni.” So how about moving your body to a Hibari medley instead? Video sites even have clips that teach simple choreography.
I hope you can spend a delightful time along with your memories!
What a nice bath.Za Dorifutāzu
Loved as a song that celebrates hot spring culture with a light, catchy rhythm.
Centered on hot springs in Gunma Prefecture, its lyrics charm listeners by evoking a tour of renowned baths across Japan.
The song’s distinctive phrases leave a strong impression and instantly lift your spirits.
Released in June 1968 as the B-side of The Drifters’ debut single, it has since been covered by various artists.
It was also used as the ending theme for the Crayon Shin-chan movie, making it popular across generations.
How about singing it together while reminiscing about hot spring trips?
festivalKitajima Saburō
A song that brilliantly captures the heat and energy of Japanese festivals.
Released in November 1984, it is known as one of Saburo Kitajima’s signature numbers.
The lyrics depict harvest festivals and bountiful fishing festivals, imbued with gratitude for nature’s blessings.
It was performed six times on NHK’s Kohaku Uta Gassen, five of those as the grand finale, testifying to its popularity.
It’s a familiar tune for many older listeners, and singing it together with handclaps creates a fun sense of unity.
Perfect when you want to savor a festive atmosphere or boost your spirits.
Why not feel the essence of Japanese traditional culture through Saburo Kitajima’s powerful vocals?