[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] Hand and finger play roundup: Finger exercises that lead to brain training
- [For Seniors] Enjoy Easily! Hand Play 'Shimoshika Meyo' (If If, Tortoise)
- Energetic and Lively! Sing-and-Exercise Program for Seniors
- [For Seniors] Songs Everyone Can Sing Together! A Roundup of Recommended Crowd-Pleasers
- For Seniors: Fun and Lively Exercise Recreation
- [Brain Training for Seniors] Recommended Hand-Play Recreation for Dementia Prevention
- Hand games that liven things up for seniors—also great brain training
- [For Seniors] Recommended Rhythm Play and Exercises
- [For Seniors] Fun and Engaging Brain-Training Recreation
- [Sing for your health!] Popular songs among seniors. Also recommended for recreational activities.
- [For Seniors] Easy and fun seated activities you can do in your room
- [For Seniors] A heartwarming round song. Let’s layer our voices with this nostalgic classic.
- [For Seniors] Guaranteed to Be a Hit! Popular Day Service Recreational Activities
For seniors: Popular hand-play songs. Introducing ideas for enjoyable brain training (21–30)
Donguri Korokoro
Donguri Korokoro, a song that makes you want to sing when autumn arrives, is a children’s song composed in the Taisho era.
The lyrics were written by Aoki Songe and the music was composed by Yanada Tei.
It is said to be one of Japan’s three great children’s songs, and in 2007 it was selected for the “100 Best Japanese Songs.” It is believed to have been created based on childhood experiences.
The content tickles a child’s heart and is highly relatable.
It’s recommended to sing it energetically while dynamically acting out the acorn, the pond, and the loach.
Moshikame Goo-Paa Hand Play
Let’s do the open-and-close hand exercise along with the children’s song “The Hare and the Tortoise.” When you make a fist, move your thumbs either outside or tucked inside.
Doing it while singing is expected to further stimulate brain activity.
Match the movements to the lyrics: have both thumbs move the same way, or have each thumb move differently.
As you might guess, making them move differently is more challenging.
Once you get used to the thumb movements, give it a try.
It’s said that tasks that feel a bit harder than your usual movements are more effective at activating the brain.
Sign Language Exercise: Roses Bloomed
A recreation activity recommended by a physical therapist! Here are ideas for a sign-language exercise to the song ‘Bara ga Saita’ (“The Roses Bloomed”).
Try humming this nostalgic tune while doing exercises that incorporate sign language.
The choreography is simple and easy to follow, which is a key point.
Since some moves repeat, it should be easy to remember.
Making this exercise part of your routine can help refresh both mind and body.
Take this opportunity to give it a try!
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.
hometown
Let’s use the song “Furusato,” which sings of reminiscing about the nostalgic sights of one’s hometown, to do a hand-play activity! First, think of movements that match the lyrics of “Furusato.” For example, when words like “ni” or “shi” appear, try making those numbers with your fingers; when animals appear, imitate the animals.
Just like choreographing a dance—“Would this movement work here?”—work together with the older adults to decide on the motions first.
Once you’re ready, put it into practice! Don’t play the music; sing while performing each movement slowly, one by one.
Since it requires a lot of thinking, it’s perfect for dementia prevention.
Brain-training exercises with nursery rhymes
The “Brain-Training Exercises with Children’s Songs” is a wonderful program where you move your body to nostalgic tunes and have fun.
By folding your fingers and moving your hands and feet to the melodies of nursery rhymes, your brain naturally gets activated.
It’s easy to do even while seated, so everyone can join in together.
Singing while recalling the old days warms the heart, too.
And singing with those around you naturally sparks communication.
It’s especially recommended in the colder seasons—your fingertips warm up and your mood lifts.
It’s a delightful exercise that helps you stay healthy while having fun!
Rhythmic exercises to a children’s song
Rhythm exercises set to children’s songs are a wonderful activity packed with nostalgia and fun.
Moving your hands and feet to the song “Antagata Dokosa” will invigorate both body and mind.
In particular, lifting your foot on the “sa” beat requires concentration and is perfect for maintaining cognitive function.
Incorporating it into your morning routine can give you a refreshing start to the day.
You can even do it while seated, so those who aren’t confident in their stamina can join with peace of mind.
Singing together and moving your bodies will naturally create a delightful time filled with smiles.