[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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- [Today's Recommendation] Gentle Health Exercises for Seniors
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- [November Health Topic] Indoor Recreation Ideas for Older Adults
[For Seniors] Music Recreation Activities for Boosting Mood and Improving Health (81–90)
A parody song with the lyrics set to a different melody
It’s a recreation where you focus on the lyrics of a song and try singing the same lyrics to various melodies.
Because lyrics and melody are usually thought of as a set, let’s enjoy the surprise when the lyrics fit perfectly with a different melody.
Choosing the songs in advance is the most important part: prepare songs whose number of words in the lyrics is as close as possible.
It might be interesting not only to have songs that are easy to adapt for parody versions, but also songs that are hard to adapt, so you can think about what conditions make them easier.
Challenge in antiphonal singing
Trying call-and-response singing sounds like a wonderful recreational activity.
Switching between different songs and lyrics can enhance cognitive flexibility.
New lyrics and rhythmic changes provide pleasant stimulation, and singing itself helps refresh the mind.
The balance of challenge and fun is just right, making it perfect for older adults.
Singing together also deepens communication.
By all means, join in and enjoy it—you’re sure to have a lovely time!
Brain-training game you play while singing
A brain-training game you play while singing sounds really fun.
Singing along to the rhythm seems like it would naturally stimulate the brain.
Songs that mention fruits like oranges and apples are familiar and easy to remember.
Singing nostalgic tunes while recalling the names of fruits is sure to be an enjoyable time.
If everyone sings together, the conversation will likely flow naturally.
Remembering the lyrics is good brain training, and singing is a great way to refresh your mood.
It’s wonderful to be able to train your brain enjoyably along with pleasant music.
Sing and dance! Ball exercises
This is an exercise where you move a ball to the music, making it a fun way to train your body.
By feeling the bright, uplifting mood of “Tsubasa wo Kudasai,” you become more conscious of making big, expansive movements.
Since the song has a relaxed tempo, being able to apply steady, sustained force to the ball over time is another key point.
Progressing without rushing and checking each movement leads to smoother body mechanics.
If you add choreography that reflects the imagery of the song, you can feel its world even more and make the exercise even more enjoyable.
Ball juggling in time with the song
Passing a ball to music is a highly recommended activity.
Sit together in a circle and pass the ball around to a pleasant song.
If the melody is gentle, it’s easier to follow the rhythm.
When you catch the ball, you naturally use the muscles in your hands and arms, so it turns into light exercise.
Humming along while exchanging the ball with the person next to you makes for a very enjoyable time.
It also deepens communication, and singing together warms the heart.
It seems simple, yet it has surprising depth—why not enjoy this wonderful activity together?
Rhythmic exercises with pop songs
Doing rhythmic exercises to kayōkyoku (Japanese popular songs) is fun, isn’t it? We use well-loved tunes like “Aoi Sanmyaku,” popular among seniors, and step in place or clap along while singing.
The bright melodies naturally bring smiles.
Because you move your body to the rhythm, it’s perfect for addressing a lack of exercise.
You can do it seated or standing—either is fine.
Let’s enjoy moving our bodies within a comfortable range.
Humming the lyrics while moving your hands and feet may also help stimulate the brain.
If everyone enjoys it together, both mind and body can feel more energized.
[For Seniors] Music Recreation Activities (91–100) That Help Improve Mood and Health
Finger exercises with kayōkyoku (Japanese pop songs)
Finger exercises set to kayōkyoku (Japanese popular songs) sound like so much fun.
Moving your fingers while listening to nostalgic tunes seems like a great way to refresh both body and mind.
If the songs are familiar, older adults might naturally fall into the rhythm.
By moving the fingertips, it also seems possible to maintain dexterity.
It might be good to start with slower-tempo songs and gradually challenge faster ones.
If everyone enjoys it together, the conversation will flow and smiles will abound.
The power of music is wonderful, isn’t it?