Exercise is essential for good health, but as we become adults, many of us have fewer opportunities to be physically active, don’t we?
And I imagine there are also fewer chances to sing out loud.
For people like that, we recommend a wonderful routine that lets you do both at the same time!
In this article, we’ll introduce exercises for older adults that let you move your body while singing.
Please consider incorporating them into day services and other care facilities.
Of course, you can enjoy them while seated as well.
Move and sing together, and have a great time!
- For Seniors: Fun and Lively Exercise Recreation
- [For Seniors] Simple Rhythm Exercises: Recommended Songs and Routines
- [For Seniors] Have Fun and Relieve Stress! Introducing Dances Everyone Can Enjoy Together
- [For Seniors] Songs Everyone Can Sing Together! A Roundup of Recommended Crowd-Pleasers
- [For Seniors] Hand and finger play roundup: Finger exercises that lead to brain training
- For People in Their 90s: Dance Tracks and Exercise Songs That Make Moving Your Body Fun!
- [For Seniors] Fun Exercises You Can Do While Seated
- [Recommended for seniors] Rejuvenating Rock-Paper-Scissors Exercise
- [Sing for your health!] Popular songs among seniors. Also recommended for recreational activities.
- [Today's Recommendation] Gentle Health Exercises for Seniors
- [For Seniors] Popular Hand-Play Songs: Fun Brain-Training Ideas
- [Brain Training for Seniors] Recommended Hand-Play Recreation for Dementia Prevention
- Ranking of popular songs for senior citizens
Brimming with Energy! Singing Exercises for Seniors (1–10)
Kiyoshi’s Zundoko SongHikawa Kiyoshi
The enka singer Kiyoshi Hikawa’s hit song “Kiyoshi no Zundoko-bushi.” If you add movements to match the “ta-ta-ta” rhythm in the chorus, it’s easy to remember, making it perfect for exercise routines! The tempo is slow and the rhythm stays steady throughout, so it’s easy to get started.
While this song is an enka number known for its catchy chorus, the verses are authentic enka that evoke the nostalgic atmosphere of old Japan.
It’s great—you might find yourself getting absorbed in listening even as you work out!
If you’re happy and you know it, clap your handsSakamoto Kyu
Kyu Sakamoto, the singer known for songs like “Ue o Muite Arukō (Sukiyaki)” and “Miagete Goran Yoru no Hoshi o.” His “If You’re Happy and You Know It” is, just as the title suggests, a song centered on clapping, making it easy to move your body along with the lyrics.
Starting with clapping as the first step, once you get used to it, it’s also great for adapting into full-body exercises like stomping your feet, patting your shoulders, or tapping your cheeks.
The upbeat lyrics naturally help you feel positive as you listen, which is another nice touch.
Red Sweet PeaMatsuda Seiko
“Akai Sweet Pea” (Red Sweet Pea) is one of Seiko Matsuda’s signature songs.
Its light melody, evoking the arrival of spring, is truly charming.
This classic hit reached No.
1 on the Oricon Singles Chart on February 8, 1982.
More recently, it’s been used in a Fujifilm skincare brand commercial featuring Aoi Miyazaki, bringing it back into the spotlight.
Because it’s a slow-tempo song, it’s perfect for exercise activities for seniors.
Hold onto a chair securely and focus on moving the lower body.
Cinderella GirlKing&Prince
Cinderella Girl is the debut single by King & Prince, released on May 23, 2018.
It’s a classic love song that sings of devotion to a single woman.
This time, we’ve incorporated their dazzling, radiant dance music into an exercise routine tailored for seniors! The choreography engages all the major muscle groups, so you’ll feel refreshed when you’re done.
Although the song has a lively tempo, the moves are easy to learn—so grab some pom-poms and dance with energy and enthusiasm!
365 Steps MarchSuizenji Kiyoko
The moment you hear it, March of 365 Steps makes you want to move your body.
It’s a nostalgic song released in 1968 by Kiyoko Suizenji, known as “Cheetah.” It’s fun to throw punches or step forward in time with the lyrics.
If you’re up for it, you can even sing along while you do it! You can do it standing or sitting, so try it in a way that suits how you’re feeling.
Exercising energetically will fuel you for tomorrow! It’s the perfect routine for anyone who wants to get moving during those cold winter days at home.
Blue MountainsFujiyama Ichirō to Nara Mitsue
Released in 1949 as the theme song for the film of the same name, “Aoi Sanmyaku” (Blue Mountain Range) is a classic Showa-era hit that ranked first in NHK’s broadcast “200 Unforgettable Songs of the Showa Era.” It has been covered by major artists such as Hibari Misora, Sayuri Ishikawa, and Keisuke Kuwata, and has been frequently used in commercials even after 2000.
Its moderate tempo makes it easy to keep rhythm even with slow movements, allowing you to enjoy moving your body.
Try doing the exercises while paying attention to every part of your body—from the shoulders and hips to the fingertips.
There’s always tomorrowSakamoto Kyu
Kyu Sakamoto, an enka singer with fans across a wide range of ages.
The exercise routine set to his song “Ashita ga Aru sa” is recommended because it’s low-impact—you can even do it seated by just moving your hands.
If you move your right hand diagonally upward and your left foot diagonally downward at the same time, you can also expect a brain-training effect! Adding a motion where you place your hands on your shoulders and rotate your shoulder blades can help relieve common stiffness in the back and shoulders.
And even if you mess up, the lyrics—“There’s always tomorrow”—lift your spirits, so it’s a win-win!