Lovely senior life

[For Seniors] Popular Hand-Play Songs: Fun Brain-Training Ideas

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.
Physical Therapist / WriterKawamura Mina
From a physical therapist to a writer, driven by the desire to travel the world with just a laptop. I’ve traveled to over 20 countries. I hope to deliver writing that many people are glad to have discovered. Thank you in advance.

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 (41–50)

snail

Snail Song Exercise, Beginner Level [Light Recreational Brain Training Exercise for Senior Care and Prevention]

snail

When we think of the rainy season, we remember the song “Katatsumuri,” don’t we? It’s a Japanese children’s song included in the 1911 “Jinjō Shōgaku Shōka” for first grade.

Snails have long been called “kagyū” and are also affectionately known as “denden mushi.” Perhaps rain is a blessing for snails.

Let’s sing this perfect-for-the-rainy-season song together with seniors as a hand-play song.

Since the snail’s horns and face are expressed with hand motions, it’s sure to bring smiles to their faces.

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[For Seniors] Popular Hand-Clapping Songs: Fun Brain-Training Ideas (51–60)

the temple’s head monk

"The Temple Monk (Heisei Version)" – Children's Song and Hand-Play Song (For Nursery and Kindergarten) – Fist Version

the temple’s head monk

“Otera no Oshō-san” is also well known as a children’s song used in rock-paper-scissors games.

It’s said that different regions and generations have given it various lyrics.

Many older adults likely played “Otera no Oshō-san” when they were young.

For some, it may even bring back nostalgic childhood feelings.

This hand-clapping game for pairs involves holding hands and playing rock-paper-scissors.

Because it uses many hand and finger movements, it provides good stimulation for the brain.

Be sure to enjoy it while communicating with each other!

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Full Moon Night’s Mochi Pounding

“Jūgoya-san’s Mochi Pounding (with gestures) – ‘Jūgoya-san no Mochitsuki wa…’ [Japanese Song / Shōka]”

Full Moon Night's Mochi Pounding

When it comes to songs perfect for moon viewing, “Jūgoya-san no Mochitsuki” comes to mind.

It’s famous as a hand-clapping game song played by two people facing each other—one pounding the mochi and the other kneading it.

Many seniors may remember gazing at the moon and playing with friends when they were children.

On the night of Otsukimi, it’s customary to display rice dumplings and pampas grass.

There’s also a legend that a rabbit lives on the moon, so wearing rabbit masks while doing the hand game is recommended.

It brings out smiles and enhances communication among seniors.

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In conclusion

There were probably some familiar songs you used to play often, weren’t there? Fingerplay activities that involve moving your body increase blood flow to the brain and are very effective at preventing cognitive decline. In particular, the hands are said to be the “second brain,” that’s how important they are. If you incorporate these as recreation, you can enjoy them with a childlike sense of fun. It’s also enjoyable to do them with friends at the same facility or with your grandchildren. Let’s stimulate the brain through dexterous hand movements and live lively, energetic days at all times!