Doesn’t a natural smile come to your face when you move along to nostalgic children’s songs and traditional tunes? A popular choice for recreation in senior care facilities is fun exercises that incorporate these familiar songs.
With easy movements you can enjoy while seated and simple choreography you can do while singing, these activities gently support both the mind and body of older adults.
Today, we’ll introduce joyful singing exercises that help stimulate the brain and maintain physical fitness.
Enjoy a smile-filled exercise time with seasonal songs and tunes full of memories.
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Singing and exercise with nursery rhymes and songs (1–10)
Hometown: A song-and-exercise routine that livens things up with three movements
Move your hands to the melody of the children’s song “Furusato,” and stimulate your brain not only through the hand movements but also by visualizing your hometown.
The flow is two claps followed by forming a number with your hands, thinking ahead to the next number while keeping the rhythm of the song in mind.
After making a 5 with both hands, the count returns to 1, so this is where you should focus carefully and aim for smoother movements.
Once you get used to it, we also recommend increasing the speed to further improve concentration.
Singing and exercise medley of summer children’s songs
As an indoor exercise activity, seated calisthenics are a classic choice.
Even while sitting, you can move your body well and refresh your mood, so give it a try and dance along.
You can use any music you like, but if you want something widely recognized that everyone can hum to, summer children’s songs are recommended.
There are plenty of summer-themed nursery songs such as “Kamome no Suiheisan” (Seagull Sailor), “Fujinoyama” (Mount Fuji), and “Ware wa Umi no Ko” (Child of the Sea), so pick some popular tunes.
Loosen up your body by spreading your arms and marching your feet to the rhythm!
Happy Hinamatsuri ExerciseNEW!
Let’s start some simple and fun exercises while singing the children’s song “Ureshii Hinamatsuri”! First, when the lyrics mention the bonbori lanterns, extend both hands forward and lift one foot at the same time.
Next, clap your hands and then touch your knees with those hands.
There’s also a motion like drumming a taiko.
The movements are generally slow, so spread your arms wide and step your feet forward firmly.
Every move can be done either standing or seated, so we hope many people will enjoy them for Hinamatsuri.
If you’re happy, clap your hands
It’s an exercise that arranges the lyrics of the well-known children’s song “If You’re Happy and You Know It” to have participants perform various actions.
You replace the clapping part with other movements in the song, and everyone present does the specified action together.
Because you have to instantly decide what movement to do, singing the song at a faster tempo could also help train reflexes.
It’s best to start at a slow tempo at first to explain the rules, then gradually change the tempo and make the movements more complex so everyone can enjoy getting a good workout.
Rhythmic gymnastics with Momotaro
We’ll introduce a rhythmic exercise using “Momotaro” set to a familiar tune.
Sit in a chair and rotate your arms to the rhythm of the song.
Slowly twist your body to the left and right.
Be careful not to fall off the chair when twisting.
When spreading your arms and legs, move within a comfortable range without overexerting yourself.
At the end, take slow deep breaths to regulate your breathing and relax.
It’s also recommended to use a ball or a towel while moving your body.
Stay safe and enjoy being active.
Rhythm recreation under the big chestnut tree
“Rhythm Recreation Under the Big Chestnut Tree” is a wonderful activity that helps older adults stay healthy while having fun.
Moving your body to a nostalgic song refreshes both mind and body.
Singing while moving your hands and feet also helps stimulate the brain.
You can participate while seated in a chair, so it’s easy for anyone to enjoy without strain.
Singing together with those around you brings smiles and fosters communication.
By all means, enjoy doing these exercises together!
Winter Song Exercises
Sing-along activities are offered in many senior and welfare facilities.
Singing helps relieve stress and, because it moves the mouth, also works as an oral exercise.
Moreover, combining songs with simple exercises—song-exercise routines—stimulates the cerebrum, activates the brain, and can help prevent dementia.
If the exercises use songs people like, even seniors who feel reluctant to move might think, “Maybe I’ll give it a try.” Seasonal songs, such as winter-themed ones, can also help seniors feel the season as they exercise.
