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.
- [For Seniors] Christmas Dance to Classic Songs That Will Get Everyone Excited, Plus Plenty of Seated Exercise Ideas
- [Elderly Care Facility] Fun-filled recreational activities for a Christmas party: crafts, rhythmic exercises, games, and even a snack-time activity
- [For Seniors] Recommended Rhythm Play and Exercises
- Energetic and Lively! Sing-and-Exercise Program for Seniors
- [Christmas Party at the Nursing Home] Staff Take on the Challenge! Fun Performances Everyone Can Enjoy
- For Seniors: Fun for Everyone! Christmas Party Activity Ideas
- [For Seniors] Lively! Entertainment Ideas for New Year’s Parties
- [For Seniors] Fun Recreational Activities Without Equipment
- [For people in their 90s] Recommended Christmas songs: from nostalgic school songs and hymns to timeless classics
- Entertainment and Performances That Delight at Day Services for the Elderly
- For Seniors: Fun and Lively Exercise Recreation
- [For Seniors] Recommended Dances You Can Move To and Enjoy
- Recommended simple exercises for recreational activities for the elderly
[Recommended for seniors] Exciting Christmas Exercises (21–30)
Brown kobin hand clap
Let us introduce the brown Kobin hand-clap that follows the rhythm.
Clap on “Pan,” and take a rest on “Un.” The tempo changes a little partway through the rhythm.
The number of claps also changes to match the tempo.
Clapping along while listening to the rhythm helps refresh both body and mind and fosters communication with those around you.
It’s an activity you can enjoy while seated, so please give it a try.
It’s also recommended to use small instruments like bells while doing it.
Fall-prevention exercises to the tune of ‘The Highland Train Is Coming’
We will introduce fall-prevention exercises set to the song “Kogen Ressha wa Yuku” (The Highland Train is Coming).
Sit on a chair and slowly lift your toes and heels to move your feet.
When raising your legs so they are parallel to the floor, it’s best to use a stable, fixed chair to avoid falling backward.
Move your legs as if walking, and slowly move your arms along with them.
When bringing your feet and arms back, do so slowly.
Let’s move our bodies to an upbeat song, have fun, and keep smiling.
[Recommended for Seniors] Exciting Christmas Exercises (31–40)
Rhythmic exercises with carp streamers
Do you know the “ikarano-nami” that appears in the children’s song Koinobori? One theory says that ikarano-nami refers to the wave-like pattern formed by the ridge tiles at the peak of a tiled roof.
When you listen to Koinobori, you can imagine the carp streamers swimming as the waves of clouds and the ikarano-nami overlap.
These days, it seems we don’t sing or hear the version of Koinobori that mentions ikarano-nami as often.
Some older people may find Koinobori nostalgic.
If you do exercises themed around carp streamers, you might be able to feel the season while you move.
Try moving your body to the song’s expansive tune and melody.
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Chair Dance
Let’s get everyone moving and feeling the festive spirit with a dance set to the classic Christmas song “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.” Being able to do it while seated with minimal strain is an important point so that everyone present can enjoy it.
Incorporate choreography that follows the lyrics, while also including solid strengthening movements like arm stretches.
Wearing festive items—such as Santa hats—can help participants feel the Christmas atmosphere even more.
Christmas Eve
Let’s get moving with a dance set to Tatsuro Yamashita’s classic Christmas song, “Christmas Eve.” The simple moves express the festive atmosphere depicted in the lyrics, and the fact that you can do it while seated is another plus.
The choreography has a slow rhythm, so as you think about the next move, also focus on making your movements big.
Because the choreography is large and showy, it’s also great for doing in a group to enjoy a sense of unity.
Chair exercises set to classic Christmas songs
This is an exercise routine set to a classic tune you hear everywhere during the Christmas season.
While seated, you’ll focus on stepping movements to thoroughly strengthen your lower body.
Matching the gentle rhythm helps you pay attention to the size of each movement—another key point.
Once you’re comfortable with the lower-body motions, start engaging your upper body as well, such as swinging your arms in time with the steps.
You’ll not only feel the joy of the music throughout your whole body, but also build smoother, well-coordinated walking.
Easy Christmas Exercises
Let’s get moving with a dance set to the romantic Christmas classic “All I Want For Christmas Is You.” It’s a pop song that really highlights the sparkle of the season, so the most important thing is to feel the fun with your whole body.
The choreography is simple, mainly side-to-side steps, but if the song’s fast tempo makes it tricky, it’s a good idea to break the moves into more counts.
If you focus on matching the light, upbeat tempo, you’ll not only achieve smoother body movements but also improve your explosiveness.