[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 (31–40)
a small brown bottle
We would like to introduce the hand-play song “Brown Little Bottle,” which lets you enjoy moving both your brain and body through creative actions.
It begins with the basic flow of clapping to the rhythm and taking rests, and midway through, changing the clapping frequency stimulates concentration and reaction speed.
Once you get used to it, adding arm raises and lowers engages the arms and shoulders and brings a stronger sense of rhythm to the movements.
Finally, by adding marching in place, it expands into light, full-body exercise.
Because the movements change little by little, it’s hard to get bored, and since it can be done while seated, it’s recommended as a lively recreational activity in caregiving settings.
Mount Fuji (Fujinoyama)
This is a song of praise for a beautiful mountain beloved as a symbol of Japan, released in July 1910 as a Ministry of Education school song.
With its concise lyrics and distinctive melody, it has continued to be cherished across generations.
It is often sung on July 1, the opening day of the mountain-climbing season, and is a memorable piece that evokes the feeling of summer.
Treasured in school music education and community cultural activities, this work embodies respect for Japanese tradition and nature, and is surely a familiar, nostalgic song for older adults as well.
It’s perfect for a relaxed recreational moment to enjoy singing while reminiscing about the past through a nostalgic school song.
A quiet lakeside
This is a charming piece with a simple, natural atmosphere—a round that everyone can sing together at a relaxed pace.
Born at a campground by Lake Nojiri, its melody musically evokes the calls of cuckoos and owls, conjuring a soothing moment in the forest.
Composed in 1936, it was later included on the Dark Ducks’ 1958 album “Picnic Song,” and has been loved by many ever since.
Featured in commercials for Kikkoman and S&B Foods, this familiar work invites you to enjoy it while picturing cool summer scenery.
It’s also perfect for sing-along activities with seniors, offering a heartwarming time that brings back fond memories.
Season of LovePinkī to Kirāzu
This song is distinguished by a bossa nova rhythm that heralds the start of summer.
Riding on a melody that captures the joy of new love, it’s become a classic summer tune brimming with lightness and nostalgia.
The fresh vocals and performance by Pinky & The Killers gently wrap youthful memories in warmth.
Released in July 1968, the song spent 17 consecutive weeks at number one on the Oricon charts.
It was also featured in the 2009 film Evangelion: 2.0 You Can (Not) Advance, making it beloved across generations.
On a hot summer day, why not hum along with older adults while reminiscing in a cool room? You can also expand the fun by doing light exercises or clapping along to the beat.
Summer MemoriesSakushi: Ema Akiko / Sakkyoku: Nakata Yoshinao
This is a beloved song that weaves nostalgic memories set in Oze.
Written by Shoko Ema with music by Yoshinao Nakada, it is a beautiful Japanese art song that delicately portrays scenes of nature and brings us the dreams and hopes lost after the war.
Since its first broadcast on NHK Radio in June 1949, its gentle melody and heartwarming lyrics have left a deep impression on many listeners.
It was sung by Ichiro Fujiyama in 1954 and featured on NHK’s “Minna no Uta” in 1962, making it cherished across generations.
Rooted in Japan’s musical culture for many years, it was selected in 2006 for the Agency for Cultural Affairs’ “100 Best Japanese Songs.” Humming its melody, imbued with love for abundant nature, brings nostalgic landscapes to mind.
Shall we bask together in the pleasant memories of summer?
The Sun of the DowntownBaishō Chieko
This song is filled with the nostalgic charm of Showa-era downtown life, featuring a warm, gentle voice that tenderly embraces everyday people’s lives.
Its lyrics portray those who face forward and live like the shining sun, while the melody—tinged with a wistfulness reminiscent of Russian folk songs—resonates deeply.
Released in 1962 as Chieko Baisho’s debut single, it won the New Artist Award at the 4th Japan Record Awards the following year.
A film of the same title was also produced, directed by Yoji Yamada and starring Baisho.
It is recommended for older listeners who feel fond nostalgia for the warm, humane atmosphere of the downtown districts, so different from the upscale Yamanote area.
We hope everyone will take their time to enjoy the song together, letting it spark lively conversations about memories from days gone by.
[For Seniors] Recommended Songs for Music Therapy Tailored to Physical and Mental Conditions (41–50)
SubaruTanimura Shinji
This is a ballad that evokes the vast expanse of the cosmos, highlighted by Shinji Tanimura’s deeply resonant voice.
Its hopeful lyrics and melody strike a chord during life’s milestone moments.
Released in 1980, the piece has been featured on numerous music programs and at various events.
While rooted in folk, it also incorporates classical elements, making it a gem of a masterpiece.
Tanimura also excelled as an educator, becoming a full-time professor at the Shanghai Conservatory of Music in 2004, and he fostered deep connections with many people through music.
It’s a recommended song for music recreation with seniors as well, offering a calm listening experience at a relaxed tempo.
It would be a lovely time to hum along together while sharing fond memories.