Lovely senior life

[For Seniors] Hand and finger play roundup: Finger exercises that lead to brain training

Social worker / Care workermoko
My name is Moko, a mother of three who admired my mother and worked in the care industry as a care worker and as a medical social worker (MSW) in a hospital. I will be drawing on my previous experience to write mainly about caregiving. Thank you in advance.
Worked as a certified care worker for 17 years.Nanaka
I’ve been working as a certified care worker for 17 years. I’m Nanaka, a caregiving web writer. I decided to pursue this profession because I wanted a job that would help people. Having worked in day care for many years, I’ve experienced a wide variety of recreational activities. Exercise set to music, in particular, always created a cheerful atmosphere and was very well received. I’d be delighted to continue delivering writing that resonates with readers through caregiving-related articles. Thank you for your support.

For older adults, moving their hands and fingers is very important because it helps stimulate brain activity.

That’s why many senior care facilities incorporate hand and finger play as a way to help prevent dementia.

Among these activities, brain-training style hand and finger games may seem difficult at first, but they allow participants to talk and think together—saying things like “I did it!” or “How do you do this part?”—so they can enjoy the activity while engaging in communication.

There are exercises that involve different movements with the left and right hands, or moving the fingers while singing.

Please choose and adapt activities according to each older adult’s physical and mental condition.

[For Seniors] A roundup of hand and finger games: Finger exercises that lead to brain training (51–60)

Music Therapy: Fun with Rhythm

Music Therapy: Fun with Rhythm

Music Therapy: Fun with Rhythm

Recreation that uses music is popular with many people.

This time, we’ll introduce ideas for rhythm-based music therapy.

When you move your body to a rhythm, it becomes a dual task: you have to both “listen” to the rhythm and “move” in time with it, processing these two actions simultaneously.

This creates a situation where the brain works to its fullest.

Above all, moving together to music tends to create excitement and a sense of unity, making it a fun activity for everyone.

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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!

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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!

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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.

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Rhythmic gymnastics on a journey of the heart

A seated sing-along exercise “Kokoro no Tabi – Tulip”: rhythm exercises for seniors #seniors #exercise

Rhythmic gymnastics on a journey of the heart

Let me introduce a rhythm exercise you can do on a gentle, melody-filled journey of the heart.

While seated, clap along with the song and alternately touch the insides of your knees.

Cross your arms in front of your chest as if placing your hands on your shoulders.

Moving your feet in step as well may also serve as a good workout for the brain.

The key is to move your whole body with large motions, but only within a comfortable, enjoyable range.

When you move, try to include your facial expressions and feelings too—you may find it even more fun to sing your heart’s journey.

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[For Seniors] Collection of Hand and Finger Games: Hand and Finger Exercises That Lead to Brain Training (61–70)

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.

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Brown kobin hand clap

“Brown Little Bottle” — Try the Rhythm Clapping Challenge!

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.

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