[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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[For Seniors] Music Recreation Activities That Help Boost Mood and Improve Health (41–50)
Senior Rhythm Exercise: Longing in the Rain
Let’s loosen up our bodies while singing! Here are some ideas for the Senior Rhythm Exercise “Ame no Bojō.” Moving your body to the rhythm refreshes both mind and body, doesn’t it? It’s especially recommended during the rainy season when the rain keeps you from going out for a walk.
Hum along to a nostalgic song while giving your body a good stretch.
You might find your head feeling clearer after the exercise! The routine is choreographed so you can participate even while seated, so please give it a try.
Sign Language Exercise: Roses Bloomed
A recreation activity recommended by a physical therapist! Here are ideas for a sign-language exercise to the song ‘Bara ga Saita’ (“The Roses Bloomed”).
Try humming this nostalgic tune while doing exercises that incorporate sign language.
The choreography is simple and easy to follow, which is a key point.
Since some moves repeat, it should be easy to remember.
Making this exercise part of your routine can help refresh both mind and body.
Take this opportunity to give it a try!
Song Exercise: Frog Chorus
Let’s try some exercises using a familiar rainy-season children’s song! Here are ideas for a sing-and-move activity with “The Frog Chorus.” Many of you may have played it as a round before.
This time, let’s try a recreation that can also be used for music therapy, brain training, and as a form of exercise.
At first, it’s fine just to be present in the activity space.
Once you feel more comfortable, you can start by only singing, or only doing the exercises… It would be great if interest gradually grows step by step.
Song Exercise: Snail
You can use it even in the little breaks between activities! Here are some ideas for a sing-and-exercise routine using “Snail.” Isn’t the children’s song “Snail” one that everyone has heard before? Let’s enjoy the rainy season with song and exercise.
Singing out loud can really clear your mind! And by adding simple movements, you’ll likely stimulate both the brain and the body.
It’s okay if you mess up the choreography.
You can easily try it while making your own adjustments, so be sure to give it a go.
Simple rhythmic exercises: Rainy Moon
Let’s stretch with choreography that matches the lyrics! Here are some ideas for an easy rhythm exercise based on “Amefuri Otsukisan” (Rainy Moon).
It’s designed with simple moves so even those who feel “exercise is tiring” or “I don’t want to learn a new routine” can give it a try.
You might start by having everyone learn the lyrics to “Amefuri Otsukisan.” Since the choreography follows the lyrics, it may be easier to remember.
Fully extend your arms and add gentle twists to loosen up your body—it feels great!
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.
Music Therapy: Fun with Rhythm
Recreation that uses music is popular with many people.
This time, we’ll introduce ideas for rhythm-based music therapy.
When you move your body to a rhythm, it becomes a dual task: you have to both “listen” to the rhythm and “move” in time with it, processing these two actions simultaneously.
This creates a situation where the brain works to its fullest.
Above all, moving together to music tends to create excitement and a sense of unity, making it a fun activity for everyone.