[For older adults] Music recreation that helps boost mood and improve health

Exercise with Sazae-san

Sazae-san de Taiso: Sitting Edition

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!

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Nakajima Junko

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Rhythmic gymnastics at Blue Light Yokohama

Seated singing exercise: “Showa Kayō Blue Light Yokohama” – rhythm exercises for seniors and older adults #seniors #exercise

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.

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Nakajima Junko

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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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Fall prevention exercises with Tokyo Boogie-Woogie

[Lively Exercise with Music] Easy Rhythm Workout to 'Tokyo Boogie-Woogie'

Let’s try some fall-prevention exercises to the tune of Tokyo Boogie-Woogie and move our bodies gently and energetically.

Sit in a chair and rotate both wrists.

Rotate them in the opposite direction as well to exercise your wrists.

Turn your head left and right, move both hands, and step one foot forward at a time.

When you raise and move both hands, do so slowly and only within a comfortable range.

Lifting the opposite arm while stepping one foot forward is also great brain training because you have to think as you move.

This Tokyo Boogie-Woogie routine incorporates a variety of movements, and one of its charms is that you can move along to pleasant music.

Please give it a try and have fun!

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mayumi

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Slow aerobics with Momotaro

Let’s try Slow Aerobics! — Momotaro

Many older adults are likely familiar with the folktale Momotaro.

There’s also a children’s song that tells the story of Momotaro, isn’t there? Let’s try moving our bodies to that song.

This is called slow aerobics, where you move gently in time with the music.

You can do the exercises standing, but they can also be done while seated.

It’s an easy routine for older adults who find standing difficult.

Through gentle, low-strain movements, it may also help you lead a more vibrant, fulfilling daily life.

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Nakajima Junko

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Slow aerobics to When the Saints Go Marching In

Let's Try Slow Aerobics! ~When the Saints Go Marching In~

Aerobics—moving your body to music—can feel difficult for people who have trouble with movement.

This exercise adapts aerobics by slowing the tempo and using gentler motions, making it accessible for anyone.

Find a calmer rhythm than the original song and move your body as if buoyantly engaging your whole body.

Rather than trying to keep up with the music, it’s more important to use your entire body, so it may be best to proceed at a rhythm that suits the participants.

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kappamaki

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Brain training exercises of see-not, speak-not, hear-not

Brain-training exercises that spark laughter: recreational activities seniors enjoy, and health exercises.

Let me introduce a brain-training exercise that moves your body and stimulates your mind: the “see no evil, speak no evil, hear no evil” workout.

For “see no evil,” cover your eyes with both hands.

For “hear no evil,” cover your ears with both hands.

For “speak no evil,” cover your mouth with both hands.

When you hear the staff member’s cue, decide which pose it is and move your hands to make that pose.

It can train your reaction speed and thinking skills, and it might even encourage more communication.

Even if you make mistakes, keep it lighthearted—relax and enjoy the exercise!

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mayumi

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