[For Seniors] Recreational Activities Enjoyable in Large Groups

Singing and exercise medley of summer children’s songs

Summer Children's Songs [Singing & Exercise Medley: 8 Picks] Full-Body Rhythm Exercises for Seniors That Can Be Done While Seated

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!

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sasashina

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Tap on the shoulder! A hand game that works even with a large group

If, if, Mr. Turtle, dear Mr. Turtle

It’s a simple activity where everyone sits in a large circle and gently taps the shoulder of the person next to them in time with the music.

Encourage participants to switch between the right and left sides quickly on cue.

If they rush the switch, their taps can become too strong, so it’s best to start with an easy-to-follow rhythm and gradually increase the tempo.

Because the movement is simple, have them focus on the song as well and direct their attention to performing both actions at the same time.

Once you judge that they’re getting used to it, you can make the switch timing more varied to raise the difficulty.

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kappamaki

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Musical exercises in three moves

Sing-and-Move Exercise That Gets Everyone Excited with Just '3' Movements (2): Children's Song 'Furusato'

It’s an exercise where you sing, clap, and form numbers with your hands—all at the same time.

It’s fun because you can do it with lots of people! Adding a song to the routine makes it even more enjoyable.

Use waltz-time songs like “Furusato” for this exercise.

While singing normally, clap twice to the beat, and on the third beat open your arms and shoulder blades and form a number with both hands.

The number increases by one each time; when you reach 5, you go back to 1.

As you sing, show the numbers, think “What’s the next number again?”, and move your body—it also works as brain training!

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SAKI

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Music Therapy Handbell Concert

Senior recreation: music therapy handbell concert❣️

Let me introduce music therapy using handbells.

In handbell ensembles, each person is responsible for specific notes on the scale, which actually requires a lot of concentration.

Even with familiar children’s songs, you need to remember exactly when to play your note.

The timing is important, and you also have to adjust the volume with your arm movements.

Because this sends a lot of stimulation to the brain, it can be expected to have brain-training effects.

In addition, since it is often done in groups, it naturally fosters interaction among participants, and the sense of accomplishment when it all comes together is exceptional.

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kojifumi

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Number Exercise

Senior activity! Number exercises #dayservice #caregiving #recreation

Here’s a fun number exercise where you get to learn movements, too.

For 1, touch your head with both hands.

For 2, cross your hands in front of your chest.

For 3, clap your hands and move your body.

The moves and rules are simple, but since you have to think, you might get a little confused at first.

Until you get used to it, say the numbers clearly and keep a slow rhythm.

Once it becomes familiar, try adding combinations where you call out two numbers, or speed up the rhythm for a challenge.

Let’s make it something you can enjoy while you practice.

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mayumi

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Rhythmic gymnastics on a journey of the heart

A seated sing-along exercise “Kokoro no Tabi – Tulip”: rhythm exercises for seniors #seniors #exercise

Let me introduce a rhythm exercise you can do on a gentle, melody-filled journey of the heart.

While seated, clap along with the song and alternately touch the insides of your knees.

Cross your arms in front of your chest as if placing your hands on your shoulders.

Moving your feet in step as well may also serve as a good workout for the brain.

The key is to move your whole body with large motions, but only within a comfortable, enjoyable range.

When you move, try to include your facial expressions and feelings too—you may find it even more fun to sing your heart’s journey.

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mayumi

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Finger exercises with rock, scissors, paper

[Senior Recreation] Create Laughter with Rock-Paper-Scissors Finger Exercises

When deciding something, people sometimes use rock-paper-scissors, right? Older adults, too, have probably made decisions that way at some point.

In rock-paper-scissors, you make rock, scissors, and paper with your hands.

These rock, scissors, and paper shapes are actually effective for hand and finger training.

What’s more, moving your fingers can also provide brain-training benefits.

Many senior and welfare facilities likely include finger exercises in their daily routines.

Once you get used to it, try gradually increasing the speed or doing rock-paper-scissors to the tune of a nursery rhyme.

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Nakajima Junko

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