[For Seniors] Recommended Dances You Can Move To and Enjoy
Older adults often feel that dancing is a high hurdle, but that’s not the case.
These days, even day-care programs and senior facilities incorporate dance into their recreational activities.
When we think of dance, things like ballroom dancing and folk dancing come to mind, right?
In this article, we introduce dance-based recreation tailored to the physical and mental conditions of older adults.
We’ve gathered only dances recommended for seniors, including seated dances and dance activities actually practiced in care settings.
Please enjoy rhythmic dancing to the music.
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[For Seniors] Recommended Dances You Can Move to and Enjoy (31–40)
UFOpinku redii
We’re introducing the classic hit “UFO,” known for Pink Lady’s harmonies and unique choreography.
Pink Lady is the idol duo that gained popularity with their bold costumes and humorous dance moves.
When it comes to their signature songs, many may come to mind, but this time let’s relieve stress by dancing along to “UFO.” In the video, the choreography has been simplified, so be sure to give it a try!
Fox Dance
The Fox Dance, which became a huge boom in 2022 as part of the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters’ performances.
Danced to “The Fox,” it also significantly boosted the popularity of the team’s fox mascot.
How about trying the Fox Dance as an activity? Staff can wear fox ears and tails and dance like the Fighters Girls, or everyone participating can enjoy the dance together.
There are also dance videos you can enjoy while seated, so be sure to use those as a reference.
Goo Choki Paa-ty (Rock-Paper-Scissors Party)
Shall we all try dancing the “Goo-Choki-Paa” exercise together—just watching it might lift your spirits! This routine is done standing, but it can also be done seated, so it can be adapted to the physical and mental condition of older adults.
Various animals and creatures appear throughout, and their movements are expressed with the hands and feet.
For example, a fist (goo) can represent a gorilla, and scissors (choki) can represent a crab—there are so many ways to communicate using just your hands.
Don’t forget to take a deep breath at the end to refresh your body and mind.
Rock, paper, scissors with pumpkin
Goo-Choki-Pa Pumpkin is a recommended exercise for Halloween.
Dressing up in Halloween costumes while you dance will lift your spirits and make it even more fun.
Since the Goo-Choki-Pa movements are incorporated into various parts, it should help activate the brain.
You can do it standing or sitting, so please adjust it to your physical and mental condition.
The song used here is an upbeat track that I believe will also benefit the minds and bodies of older adults.
Let’s enjoy the Goo-Choki-Pa exercise along with the up-tempo music.
Patakara Dance You Can Do While Seated
This song celebrates the expected benefits of the “Patakara Exercises,” sung to a festive ondo rhythm.
With hand movements that get the whole body engaged, aim for smooth mouth movements by clearly pronouncing the “pa-ta-ka-ra” lyrics.
The moves are very simple and focus on the upper body, so they can be done while seated in a chair.
Because the drumbeat makes the rhythm easy to feel, try to catch the beat while also focusing on clear pronunciation.
[For Seniors] Recommended Dances You Can Move and Enjoy (41–50)
Bean-Throwing Exercise
February brings Setsubun season, doesn’t it? Here’s an introduction to a seated “Bean-Throwing Exercise” perfect for this time of year.
You do the moves to the children’s song “Mame-maki.” Pretending to throw real beans—raising your arms high and swinging them—gives your upper body a good workout.
It can also be fun to imitate an ogre’s facial expressions or try wearing a mask.
Be aware that actual bean throwing can pose a risk of accidental ingestion for older adults.
But with the music-based “Bean-Throwing Exercise,” you can enjoy it safely!
The Longed-For Hawaii RouteHaruo Oka
A signature song by Haruo Oka, a singer active from before to after the war, is “Akogare no Hawaii Kōro” (The Longed-for Hawaii Route), which was released in 1948 and became a huge hit.
It was also made into a film starring Oka and Hibari Misora, so many older people are likely to know it.
The choreography—stretching your arms widely up, down, left, and right, and patting your shoulders—can be done using just the upper body, making it ideal for recreational activities in care facilities.
By all means, try singing along and give the dance a go together!
