Recommended simple exercises for recreational activities for the elderly
We’d like to introduce some recommended exercises perfect for recreation at care facilities such as day service centers, or any place where seniors gather!
Many older adults find it difficult to move their legs and lower back freely, and standing can be a challenge.
However, if you avoid moving your body altogether, your mobility may decline further, increasing the risk of falls and becoming bedridden.
In this article, we’ve gathered simple exercises that seniors can do with ease.
Many of them can be done while seated, so be sure to try them with friends around you to help reduce a lack of physical activity!
- For seniors: Enjoyable exercises done while seated, accessible for wheelchair users.
- For Seniors: Fun and Lively Exercise Recreation
- Summary of exercises for seniors: introducing preventative care movements by body part.
- [For Seniors] Fun Small-Group Recreation
- [For Seniors] Simple Rhythm Exercises: Recommended Songs and Routines
- [For Seniors] Fun Brain Training! Lively Whiteboard Activities
- [Seated] Fun Health Exercises for Older Adults and Seniors
- [For Seniors] Recommended Easy Strength Training
- For seniors: Enjoyable stick exercises. Easy workouts.
- [For Seniors] Recreational activities and games that let you have fun while strengthening your legs
- For seniors: Leg-strengthening exercises you can do without overexertion.
- [Today's Recommendation] Gentle Health Exercises for Seniors
- [For Seniors] Fun Exercises You Can Do While Seated
Recommended Exercises for Easy Senior Recreational Activities (161–170)
Radio calisthenics done while seated
With a melody everyone has heard and loved for many years, “Radio Taiso” (Radio Calisthenics) is a familiar routine.
For many, it’s the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of summer vacation! Its charm lies in exercises anyone—regardless of age or gender—can enjoy comfortably, paired with a rhythmic tune.
As a full-body workout that moves bones, joints, and muscles evenly, it enhances bodily functions and helps improve overall fitness.
In fact, there’s an official seated version of Radio Taiso.
Use that as a reference and try the exercises at your own pace while having fun!
Sing and dance! Ball exercises
This is an exercise where you move a ball to the music, making it a fun way to train your body.
By feeling the bright, uplifting mood of “Tsubasa wo Kudasai,” you become more conscious of making big, expansive movements.
Since the song has a relaxed tempo, being able to apply steady, sustained force to the ball over time is another key point.
Progressing without rushing and checking each movement leads to smoother body mechanics.
If you add choreography that reflects the imagery of the song, you can feel its world even more and make the exercise even more enjoyable.
Finger exercises with kayōkyoku (Japanese pop songs)
When it comes to finger exercises set to kayōkyoku (Japanese popular songs), how about using the nostalgic classic “Kitaguni no Haru”? Move your fingertips slowly to the warm voice of Masao Sen.
During the chorus at “♪ Kitaguni no 〜,” you can make a heart shape with your thumb and index finger, and at “♪ Haru ga kita 〜,” open your fingers wide.
It’s fun to change the shapes of your fingers to match the lyrics.
Move your fingers within a comfortable range, and try swaying your body to the music as well.
Moving your fingers while listening to nostalgic kayōkyoku can refresh both your mind and body.
Rhythmic exercises to a children’s song
Rhythm exercises using a children’s song are such a great idea! Moving your arms and legs to “Antagata Dokosa” is full of fun.
The key is to lift your foot on the syllable “sa,” which may also help prevent cognitive decline.
If you include it in your morning routine, you’ll feel refreshed.
Because it’s a nostalgic nursery rhyme, you’ll find yourself humming along naturally, making it more enjoyable to move your body.
If everyone sings and exercises together, the conversation will flow and it’ll be even more fun.
Start slowly and gradually add movements to make the workout more fulfilling.
In conclusion
I introduced some simple exercises that seniors can do as recreational activities—how was it? If you have any painful or hard-to-move areas, please do them only within a comfortable range.
Moving your body together with others, rather than alone, is not only good for your physical health but also for your mental well-being!