[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 Older Adults] Music Recreation Activities That Help Improve Mood and Health (51–60)
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.
[For Seniors] Music Recreation Activities That Help Improve Mood and Health (61–70)
Music Therapy: Nostalgic Kayōkyoku (Japanese Popular Songs)
Many older adults have probably listened to nostalgic kayōkyoku (popular songs) at least once.
During the rainy season when it keeps pouring, try spending time indoors listening to or singing those classics.
As the familiar tunes and lyrics play, they will likely bring back memories from that time—like songs you listened to with friends or sang together at school—and music is said to revive the feelings and emotions tied to those moments.
What’s more, listening, singing, and moving your body to the music can help stimulate the brain.
It might even spark lively conversations about memories from those days.
June sing-along
Fun recreations using Showa-era pop and children’s songs! Here are some ideas for June sing-along activities.
What songs come to mind when you think of ones you feel attached to? Remembering nostalgic tunes and the events associated with them stimulates the parts of the brain responsible for memory.
This time, let’s try a sing-along activity that can also help relieve stress.
The act of recalling lyrics and melodies may help prevent dementia, too.
Before you know it, singing will bring out lots of smiles.
Fox Dance
Let me introduce the Fox Dance that you can enjoy together with older adults.
It’s recommended because you can move your body while sitting in a chair.
After making a fox shape with your hands, use your arms and hands to dance.
The song has a quick tempo, but move within a comfortable range.
Once you get used to the moves, it could be fun to add some marching steps from the second round.
When it’s time to turn your neck, be careful to avoid falls.
The Fox Dance might be a great opportunity to spark new communication!
