[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!
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[For Seniors] Popular hand-play songs: Fun brain-training ideas (41–50)
Goo Choki Paa Laugh-Out-Loud Exercise
Just doing rock-paper-scissors the usual way doesn’t really make people laugh, does it? What we’re introducing here is a rock-paper-scissors exercise that generates the kind of laughter that’s essential for recreational activities.
There are methods like doing rock-paper-scissors quickly, or changing the order to things like scissors-paper-rock.
By adding variations, you can give your brain good stimulation and make the exercise more enjoyable.
We also recommend versions where you make animal shapes with your fingers while doing rock-paper-scissors, which are great for older adults.
What matters most isn’t doing it without mistakes, but everyone communicating and having fun together.
[For Seniors] Popular Hand-Clapping Songs: Fun Brain-Training Ideas (51–60)
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!
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.
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!