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Lovely senior life

Recommended for seniors: Fun and engaging Christmas exercises

Christmas is a special event not only for children, but also for older adults.

Many senior care facilities and day service centers likely hold Christmas events every year.

In this article, we’ll introduce exercises that are perfect for seniors and will liven up your Christmas event.

Feel free to use them for recreation at your Christmas gathering.

Doing exercises to Christmas music will make the party even more exciting.

Let’s work together as a staff to create moments filled with smiles for the seniors.

If you’re struggling to plan activities for your Christmas event, please use this as a reference.

[Recommended for seniors] Exciting Christmas Exercises (21–30)

Fox Dance

Let’s dance the “Fox Dance” in the caregiving setting! [Rehabilitation Day Salon ‘Umi’] Day service (daycare) in Yokosuka City
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!

Number Exercise

Senior activity! Number exercises #dayservice #caregiving #recreation
Number Exercise

Here’s a fun number exercise where you get to learn movements, too.

For 1, touch your head with both hands.

For 2, cross your hands in front of your chest.

For 3, clap your hands and move your body.

The moves and rules are simple, but since you have to think, you might get a little confused at first.

Until you get used to it, say the numbers clearly and keep a slow rhythm.

Once it becomes familiar, try adding combinations where you call out two numbers, or speed up the rhythm for a challenge.

Let’s make it something you can enjoy while you practice.

Hotto Atto Nanto Taisō

“Hotto Atto Nanto” is the catchphrase of Nanto City in Toyama Prefecture.

It conveys a sense of security and comfort, giving you a feel for the atmosphere of Nanto.

“From the Green Village” is a song created to commemorate the 5th anniversary of Nanto City’s merger, and let’s move our bodies along with this song.

Despite its slow tempo, the uplifting lyrics of “From the Green Village” bring a calm, peaceful feeling.

It’s a song that resonates with older adults as well.

The rhythm is just right for seniors to move their bodies to, so please give it a try.

Exercise with Sazae-san

Sazae-san de Taiso: Sitting Edition
Exercise with Sazae-san

When you think of Sunday evening TV shows, many people probably think of Sazae-san.

Let’s try moving our bodies to the Sazae-san song.

It’s a long-running program, so many older adults are likely familiar with the song and the content of the anime.

When it’s a song you know, it’s easier to get your body moving.

The Sazae-san song also has a bright, cheerful feel, which can help calm and uplift older adults while they exercise.

Both the opening and ending themes work well for fun exercises, so I recommend either one.

Please give it a try!

Rhythmic gymnastics at Blue Light Yokohama

Seated singing exercise: “Showa Kayō Blue Light Yokohama” – rhythm exercises for seniors and older adults #seniors #exercise
Rhythmic gymnastics at Blue Light Yokohama

Released in 1968, “Blue Light Yokohama” is one of the signature songs of the Showa era.

Many older adults have likely sung it at karaoke or heard it on TV or the radio.

Let’s try some rhythmic exercises with this familiar tune.

Since the song portrays a couple in love, it could be fun to incorporate movements that match the lyrics.

Older adults might feel nostalgic, recalling the time when this song was popular as they exercise.

You could even sing along while doing the exercises.

Fall prevention exercises with Tokyo Boogie-Woogie

[Lively Exercise with Music] Easy Rhythm Workout to 'Tokyo Boogie-Woogie'
Fall prevention exercises with Tokyo Boogie-Woogie

Let’s try some fall-prevention exercises to the tune of Tokyo Boogie-Woogie and move our bodies gently and energetically.

Sit in a chair and rotate both wrists.

Rotate them in the opposite direction as well to exercise your wrists.

Turn your head left and right, move both hands, and step one foot forward at a time.

When you raise and move both hands, do so slowly and only within a comfortable range.

Lifting the opposite arm while stepping one foot forward is also great brain training because you have to think as you move.

This Tokyo Boogie-Woogie routine incorporates a variety of movements, and one of its charms is that you can move along to pleasant music.

Please give it a try and have fun!

Slow aerobics with Momotaro

Let’s try Slow Aerobics! — Momotaro
Slow aerobics with Momotaro

Many older adults are likely familiar with the folktale Momotaro.

There’s also a children’s song that tells the story of Momotaro, isn’t there? Let’s try moving our bodies to that song.

This is called slow aerobics, where you move gently in time with the music.

You can do the exercises standing, but they can also be done while seated.

It’s an easy routine for older adults who find standing difficult.

Through gentle, low-strain movements, it may also help you lead a more vibrant, fulfilling daily life.