![[For Seniors] Popular Hand-Play Songs: Fun Brain-Training Ideas](https://i.ytimg.com/vi_webp/Tz2dMj8cceI/maxresdefault.webp)
[For Seniors] Popular Hand-Play Songs: Fun Brain-Training Ideas
To increase opportunities for physical activity and social interaction, many older adults visit facilities such as day-service centers.
However, there may be many who find it difficult to start conversations on their own and end up sitting by themselves.
In this article, we introduce simple hand-play songs that can be done while seated! If it’s a tune they’ve heard before, they can join in with enjoyment, which can also help spark interaction with other participants.
In addition, raising the arms and moving the fingers serves as brain training and is important for preventing cognitive decline.
Please try these as fun recreational activities!
[For Seniors] Popular hand-play songs. Fun brain-training ideas introduced (1–10)
Song of the Frogs
Hand-play activities set to the song “Kaeru no Uta” (Song of the Frog) can be expected to stimulate the brain by moving the fingers in rhythm.
For example, you can alternately form a snail shape with your hands in time with the song, and, playing on the word “kaeru” (which also means “to flip/turn over”), add a motion where you turn your hands upside down mid-routine to boost both fun and focus.
If you also extend your hands forward to make a ‘open palm’ (pa) shape, then pull them back into a ‘fist’ (gu) shape, you’ll be coordinating fingers and arms in different ways, which helps train judgment and reflexes.
By adding variations to the movements, it’s easier to keep going without getting bored, and because it can be done while seated, it’s a recommended recreation activity in care settings.
The railroad tracks go on forever.
Here’s an idea for a fun hand-play song that lets you move your body to the rhythm: “I’ve Been Working on the Railroad” (Senro wa Tsuzuku yo Doko Made mo).
Face your partner, press your palms together, and alternate clapping, adding movements up, down, left, and right to keep it from becoming monotonous while building concentration and reflexes.
Changing the tempo—speeding it up or slowing it down—adds variety so it stays engaging.
Since it only uses hand and arm movements, participants can join in while seated.
Facing each other also naturally encourages smiles and conversation, making it a great activity for social interaction.
Rhythmic exercises with pop songs
“Rhythmic Exercise with Kayōkyoku” is a wonderful activity that lets you move your body while having fun.
Clapping your hands or stepping your feet to nostalgic kayōkyoku naturally brings a smile to your face.
Moving with the rhythm helps build strength and maintain cognitive function.
Because these are songs you’ve long been familiar with, it’s also appealing that you can enjoy humming along to the lyrics.
You can even participate while seated, so it’s reassuring for those who aren’t confident in their stamina.
If everyone sings and dances together, the conversation will flow and you’ll have a great time.
It’s a lovely exercise that energizes both mind and body—be sure to give it a try!
a small brown bottle
We would like to introduce the hand-play song “Brown Little Bottle,” which lets you enjoy moving both your brain and body through creative actions.
It begins with the basic flow of clapping to the rhythm and taking rests, and midway through, changing the clapping frequency stimulates concentration and reaction speed.
Once you get used to it, adding arm raises and lowers engages the arms and shoulders and brings a stronger sense of rhythm to the movements.
Finally, by adding marching in place, it expands into light, full-body exercise.
Because the movements change little by little, it’s hard to get bored, and since it can be done while seated, it’s recommended as a lively recreational activity in caregiving settings.
Ochara-ka-hoi
By moving your body to the lyrics of the traditional hand-clapping song “Ocharaka Hoi,” it quickly turns into a game that stimulates the brain.
For example, during “Ses-ses-se,” place your hands on your back, and during the “Yoi-yoi-yoi” part, have your right hand represent 4 and your left hand represent 1, alternating the gestures.
Adding these actions engages memory, attention, and decision-making at the same time.
Performing multiple movements simultaneously like this is effective in preventing cognitive decline.
It can be done while seated and doesn’t depend on the number of participants.
It’s easy to introduce in care settings and is a type of brain training that people can continue without getting bored.
The Hill Where Mandarin Orange Blossoms Bloom
Clap hands alternately while facing each other as you sing.
Even such a simple movement can instantly turn into enjoyable communication when done to a song.
Moving your hands to the gentle melody of “Mikan no Saku Oka” stimulates the brain and helps prevent cognitive decline.
It can be done while seated, reducing physical strain, and it’s an easy activity for those who struggle to find a way to start a conversation.
This low-pressure hand game fosters interaction even in care settings and is perfect for daily recreation.
Momotaro
We’d like to introduce a hand-play activity idea called “Momotaro” that uses time for singing, moving your body, and sharing joyful laughter.
All you do is move your hands to a nostalgic melody, so it’s easy to join in even while seated and is popular with older adults.
For those who find it hard to speak, the song can help soften their expressions naturally and become a starting point for conversation.
Alternating open-and-close motions of the left and right hands while singing stimulates the brain and is expected to help prevent cognitive decline.
It can be enjoyed by small groups or entire groups together and is used as a place for social interaction.
It’s a simple yet profound idea that lets you rediscover the power of hand-play activities.