[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 Seniors] Let’s Have Fun Together! Introducing Uplifting, Energizing Songs
- [Sing for your health!] Popular songs among seniors. Also recommended for recreational activities.
- Great songs recommended for people in their 80s: a collection of tracks with lyrics that touch the heart
- [For Seniors] Simple Rhythm Exercises: Recommended Songs and Routines
- With upbeat rhythm routines! Music therapy for seniors
- [For older adults] Music recreation that helps boost mood and improve health
- Also great for dementia care! Recommended dance songs for people in their 70s: Let’s dance to those classic hits
- [For Seniors] Recommended Karaoke Songs for Women in Their 80s
- Recommended Songs for Nursing Home Recreation [Fun Exercise, Soothing Songs]
- [Celebration] A compilation of Japanese songs that elderly people will enjoy
- [Recommended for people in their 70s] Songs that really move you. Beloved classic Japanese hits of the past.
- [For women in their 70s] A collection of songs that are easy to sing even for people who are tone-deaf
- [For Seniors] Recommended for Recreation! A Collection of Fun and Lively Parody Songs
[For Older Adults] Recommended Songs for Music Therapy Tailored to Physical and Mental Conditions (1–10)
12th graderFunaki Kazuo
Kazuo Funaki’s “Koko San Nensei” (High School Senior) is a song that evokes the bittersweet memories of youth.
It’s beloved by many, and it may hold especially special memories for older adults whose school days overlapped with its era.
Even while sitting quietly, you can clap along or sway to the rhythm, which can help refresh both mind and body.
Enjoying it together with friends warms the heart even more and offers a moment to rediscover our connections with others.
Why not use this song as a chance to enjoy a bit of exercise or a sing-along?
Don’t give upZARD
“Makenaide” is an encouraging song performed by ZARD.
Its heartfelt message and warm melody make it easy to relate to, even for older adults.
It’s perfect for times when you want to lift your spirits or take a proactive step forward.
The lyrics convey a sense of being cheered on, which can help boost motivation for rehabilitation or exercise.
Why not incorporate it as part of music therapy so that seniors can enjoy it at their own pace? By continuing to take on challenges, everyone can nurture both a healthy mind and body.
Red Sweet PeaMatsuda Seiko
“Akai Sweet Pea” is loved by older adults as a song that brings spring to the heart.
The gentle singing voice of Seiko Matsuda is a key charm of this piece, and its lyrics evoke the scent of spring.
In music therapy, it can create a calm atmosphere for seniors and offer a relaxing time.
Even while seated, listeners may find their bodies naturally beginning to move—swaying or moving their hands to the gentle melody.
This soothing ballad accompanies the feelings of older adults and helps create a lovely moment.
[For Seniors] Recommended Songs for Music Therapy Tailored to Physical and Mental Conditions (11–20)
Chanchiki OdesaMinami Haruo
“Chanchiki Okesa” is a song released by Haruo Minami in 1957 and has been beloved by many.
Its warm, somewhat nostalgic melody may evoke rich memories for many older adults.
By enjoying the rhythm—stepping gracefully or with lively energy—body movements can become smoother.
Of course, even while seated, clapping hands or swaying to the music can help you feel the power of music and refresh both body and mind.
Let’s gather together, listen to Haruo Minami’s deep voice, and share a pleasant time.
Winter SongKiroro
“Fuyu no Uta” is a gentle, easy-to-love song that also resonates with older listeners.
With beautiful lyrics that paint a wintry scene of white powdery snow dancing in the air, it helps you relax while feeling the season.
As part of music therapy, why not offer a soothing time that evokes nostalgic winter landscapes from the past? Its tempo is kind to the heart, allowing for a calm, peaceful moment.
Through this classic by Kiroro, you’re sure to savor a happy time.
If the melody is familiar, you can naturally enjoy humming along together or doing light exercises while singing it in your heart.
dogwood (flowering dogwood)Hitoto Yo
Hitoto Yo’s “Hanamizuki” is a heartfelt melody that gently accompanies the daily lives of older adults.
Its tender lyrics truly resonate, don’t they? Filled with wishes for peace and love, the song guides listeners toward a sense of calm.
It’s also perfect for music therapy, using the power of music to soothe the heart.
Even those with limited mobility can enjoy clapping along to the rhythm or listening while recalling treasured memories—how lovely is that? As we wish happiness for one another, let’s let the music refresh both mind and body.
The Highland Train GoesOkamoto Atsurō
Atsuro Okamoto’s “The Highland Train Is Coming” is a song that evokes nostalgia and warmth.
Its lively melody invites you into a joyful time.
With a rhythm that naturally makes your body want to move in everyday life, it’s also great for recreational activities and will help refresh your mind.
The song remains beloved by many, as seen in the existence of its lyric monument and its use in the NHK serial drama Yell.
How about enjoying it together while gently moving your mind and body?