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)
Black Cat TangoMinagawa Osamu
When it comes to Osamu Minagawa’s songs, many people probably think of that charming children’s tune featuring a black cat as the main character.
Released in October 1969, the song reached number one on the Oricon charts.
At just six years old, Minagawa became the youngest artist to achieve a million-seller.
With its catchy melody and lyrics, it’s a perfect track to hum along to with seniors and use as background music for exercise.
Fox Dance
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!
Ladybug Sambacherisshu
Included in Spring Romance, this song was a major hit in 1973.
Sung by the husband-and-wife duo Cherish, it features a light, samba-inspired rhythm.
The lyrics depict a celebration of a wedding in the forest.
After it was aired on ABC Radio, it received a flood of requests and was released as a single.
It became popular as a wedding song and even appeared on the NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
Listening to it with older folks might spark lively reminiscences.
It would also be lovely to listen to the sound of insects while looking for ladybugs.
Blue MountainsFujiyama Ichirō
A classic Showa-era song sung by Ichiro Fujiyama and Mitsue Nara.
Released in 1949 as the theme song for a film of the same name, it has continued to be loved by people of all ages for many years, even being ranked No.
1 in NHK’s “200 Showa Songs That Stay in the Heart.” Set against the majestic backdrop of the Blue Mountains, the lyrics resonate with themes of youth, hope, and the resolve to set out on a new journey.
It’s also interesting that Ryoichi Hattori is said to have conceived the melody on a train bound for Kyoto.
For many older listeners, this piece evokes fond memories, and when everyone raises their voices together to sing it, you’re sure to have a wonderful time.
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.