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[For Seniors] Recommended Songs for Music Therapy Tailored to Physical and Mental Conditions
Music is something we can’t live without, isn’t it?
Many people find that listening to upbeat songs mysteriously lifts their mood.
In particular, in senior care facilities, music therapy is used to support physical and mental rehabilitation.
Try choosing songs that match the physical and mental condition of older adults and use them in recreational activities.
In this article, we’ve gathered many songs that are familiar to seniors.
If you’re unsure which songs to use in music therapy, please use this as a reference.
[For Older Adults] Recommended Songs for Music Therapy Tailored to Physical and Mental Conditions (1–10)
When the violets bloomNEW!Sakushi: Fritz Rotter Shirai Tetsuzou / Sakkyoku: Franz Doelle
This is a signature standard number of the Takarazuka Revue, with a graceful waltz rhythm that feels like it heralds the arrival of spring.
Originally a German popular song with lyrics by Fritz Rotter and music by Franz Doelle, it received Japanese lyrics from director Tetsuzō Shirai as the theme song for the revue “Parisette,” staged in August 1930.
Its romantic lyrics evoke the flutter of love and the memory of a dear face that resurfaces when delicate purple flowers bloom.
Sung and cherished over many years, this piece is familiar to many older people who remember seeing it performed.
It’s perfect for a springtime recreation, inviting everyone to hum along while reminiscing about their youth.
Apple SongNamiki Michiko
“Apple Song” heals the mind and body of older adults and lifts their spirits through the power of music.
This piece is known for its bright, nostalgic melody, famously sung by Michiko Namiki.
Its sweet-and-sour lyrics gently light a warm glow in the heart, making it especially appealing to seniors.
The relaxed tempo is perfect for gentle physical activity, and humming along can create a joyful shared moment.
It’s a wonderful song that supports both communication and health by encouraging movement while singing.
strollNEW!Inoue Azumi
When you feel the warm spring sunshine, it makes you want to go outside and get moving, doesn’t it? The perfect choice for times like that is this piece, known as the opening theme song of Studio Ghibli’s film My Neighbor Totoro.
Although it’s a song from the film released in 1988, it had actually already been included on the image album My Neighbor Totoro: Image Song Collection, which came out in November 1987, before the movie’s release.
Azumi Inoue’s clear vocals and Joe Hisaishi’s march-like rhythm alone are enough to put a spring in your step.
The lyrics feature familiar scenes like hills and tunnels one after another, brimming with an exciting sense of setting off on an adventure.
How about enjoying it during rehab or exercise time, imagining everyone swinging their arms energetically as they walk together?
Flowers ~Flowers for everyone’s heart~NEW!Sakushi sakkyoku: Kina Shoukichi
People’s hearts sway between tears and laughter, but this timeless classic carries a universal wish: to let beautiful flowers bloom in our hearts no matter the moment.
Kina Shoukichi’s “Hana ~Subete no Hito no Kokoro ni Hana wo~,” with a melody that evokes the breezes of Okinawa and warm, peace-praying words that resonate deeply.
Included on the 1980 album “BLOOD LINE,” it’s also well known for being sung by Satoko Ishimine as the theme song for the 1995 film “Himeyuri no Tō.” Its relaxed rhythm is perfect even for exercise time, and if everyone hums along while savoring the lyrics, a gentle feeling will come naturally.
It’s the ideal song for spending a calm, heart-unwinding moment along with the cheerful spring weather.
Over the hillFujiyama Ichirō
Beyond the Hills is a major hit from the Showa era, and this song sung by Ichiro Fujiyama captivates with its touching melody and lyrics.
Set against the richness of nature, the phrase “beyond the hills,” which symbolizes hope, evokes a refreshing feeling just by listening and can serve as encouragement for a fresh start.
For seniors who have lived through that era, it is surely a cherished song at heart.
With its relaxed tempo, the time you spend together will feel even richer.
Let’s enjoy the music, sharing stories and reminiscing as we go.
SakurazakaFukuyama Masaharu
Masaharu Fukuyama’s “Sakurazaka” is a song that nostalgically reflects on days gone by with a beautiful, gentle melody.
Singing about memories that stay in the heart, it offers a special time to share with older adults.
Its relaxed rhythm soothes the mind and gently awakens distant recollections.
The lyrics, filled with warm words, tenderly accompany the hearts of seniors and invite empathy.
Incorporating it into music therapy can help honor each person’s memories while spending moments that cherish mental well-being.
The Bride of SetoKoyanagi Rumiko
Rumiko Koyanagi’s “Seto no Hanayome” is a song known for its memorable melody and gentle lyrics.
Listening to it will likely bring back precious memories for many people.
Its refreshing feel also makes it perfect for slow, deliberate exercise routines.
Moving your hands and stretching your body stimulates muscles you don’t usually use in daily life and helps activate the brains of older adults.
Let’s enjoy it while listening to Rumiko Koyanagi’s soothing voice—you’re sure to have a lovely time.