[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)
Apple SongNamiki Michiko
Even a casual listener who’s like, “Music? Hmm, I guess it’s okay,” will definitely know this song.
And of course, there can’t be a single senior who hasn’t heard it.
Ringo no Uta, the very first postwar hit in Japan, is a curious song: though the melody carries a hint of sadness, listening to it somehow fills you with strength.
Hachiro Sato’s lyrics are wonderful, too.
Its slightly relaxed tempo makes it easy for dance beginners to move along.
Whether you dance standing or seated, it’s a perfect recommendation for all seniors!
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!
Matsuken Samba IIMatsudaira Ken
Let’s get moving to Matsudaira Ken’s signature song, “Matsuken Samba II,” well known from period dramas.
While the song is strongly associated with light, nimble steps, when doing it as an exercise, it’s best to focus on the fun and the rhythm.
Even a simple motion like swinging your hands left and right will engage your arms when matched to the sprightly beat.
By combining choreography inspired by the lyrics with stretches for the neck, arms, and more, you get a well-balanced routine that works the whole body.
Festival MamboMisora Hibari
Mambo—a genre that many Japanese first became aware of thanks to Hibari Misora’s “Omatsuri Mambo.” You can probably picture the jokesters who shout “Uu—Mambo!” when they’re in high spirits.
It’s said that mambo emerged in the 1900s from a fusion of rumba and jazz.
Hearing “the 1900s,” it still feels like a relatively new musical genre, doesn’t it? Just the famous intro of “Omatsuri Mambo”—that tsuttaka-tsuttakattakata rhythm—will get your body moving.
It’s a fun, highly recommended song: you can learn some simple mambo steps, or just imitate Hibari Misora’s moves.
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!
[For Seniors] Recommended Dances You Can Move and Enjoy (41–50)
Princess An’s Song
The song “An-Hime no Uta,” marked by its memorable children’s voices, sings about one’s hometown.
If you’re feeling a bit melancholic and find yourself reminiscing about home, this is for you.
Moving your body might lift your spirits! This dance can be done while sitting in a chair.
It shouldn’t be too hard, so I think everyone can enjoy dancing together!
Sakura Exercises
Sakura Taiso is a gentle exercise routine that lets you stretch at a relaxed pace.
Why not try moving your body freely while listening to this tune that might make you think, “Wait, I think I’ve heard this before”? As we get older, it’s natural to feel stiffness or pain here and there.
Move your body slowly to the flowing melody and movements of this routine.
You’ll surely feel refreshed.