[For older adults] Music recreation that helps boost mood and improve health
We’d like to introduce music-based recreational activities that can lift the spirits of older adults.
Listening to favorite songs or singing out loud can provide a change of pace and help relieve stress.
In this article, we present a variety of recreational ideas that use the music we encounter in everyday life.
Along with sing-alongs of children’s songs and simple exercises set to music, we’ve also gathered quiz-style activities that are fun like games.
If you’re planning music recreation for a senior facility or day service setting, please use these ideas as a reference.
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- Hand games that liven things up for seniors—also great brain training
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- [Today's Recommendation] Gentle Health Exercises for Seniors
- [For Seniors] Recreational activities and games that let you have fun while strengthening your legs
- [For Seniors] Recommended Songs for Music Therapy Tailored to Physical and Mental Conditions
- [November Health Topic] Indoor Recreation Ideas for Older Adults
[For Seniors] Music Recreation Activities That Help Improve Mood and Health (61–70)
Number Exercise
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.
Hotto Atto Nanto Taisō
“Hotto Atto Nanto” is the catchphrase of Nanto City in Toyama Prefecture.
It conveys a sense of security and comfort, giving you a feel for the atmosphere of Nanto.
“From the Green Village” is a song created to commemorate the 5th anniversary of Nanto City’s merger, and let’s move our bodies along with this song.
Despite its slow tempo, the uplifting lyrics of “From the Green Village” bring a calm, peaceful feeling.
It’s a song that resonates with older adults as well.
The rhythm is just right for seniors to move their bodies to, so please give it a try.
Rhythmic gymnastics with Momotaro
Here’s a rhythm exercise using the familiar song Momotaro.
Sit in a chair and rotate your arms to the beat 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.
At the end, take slow deep breaths to steady your breathing and relax.
It’s also recommended to move your body using a ball or a towel.
Stay safe and enjoy getting your body moving.
Slow aerobics to the tune of “Alps Ichiman-jaku”
As people age, many find it bothersome to move their bodies.
Let’s get moving with slow aerobics that can be done while seated in a chair.
As the name suggests, slow aerobics involves gently moving your body to music.
It’s said to help raise heart rate and encourage breathing even for older adults who don’t have many opportunities to exercise.
It’s recommended to do rhythmic exercises to familiar songs—like “Alps Ichiman-jaku”—that many seniors know well.
Moving to music can also help bring out a sense of fun in older adults.
Exercise with Sazae-san
When you think of Sunday evening TV shows, many people probably think of Sazae-san.
Let’s try moving our bodies to the Sazae-san song.
It’s a long-running program, so many older adults are likely familiar with the song and the content of the anime.
When it’s a song you know, it’s easier to get your body moving.
The Sazae-san song also has a bright, cheerful feel, which can help calm and uplift older adults while they exercise.
Both the opening and ending themes work well for fun exercises, so I recommend either one.
Please give it a try!
Rhythmic gymnastics at Blue Light Yokohama
Released in 1968, “Blue Light Yokohama” is one of the signature songs of the Showa era.
Many older adults have likely sung it at karaoke or heard it on TV or the radio.
Let’s try some rhythmic exercises with this familiar tune.
Since the song portrays a couple in love, it could be fun to incorporate movements that match the lyrics.
Older adults might feel nostalgic, recalling the time when this song was popular as they exercise.
You could even sing along while doing the exercises.
Rhythmic gymnastics on a journey of the heart
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.