[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 Seniors] Recommended Songs for Music Therapy Tailored to Physical and Mental Conditions (41–50)
BoyhoodInoue Yosui
This song is wrapped in a nostalgic, gentle melody.
Together with Yosui Inoue’s characteristically tender vocals, it brings back memories of a pure and innocent childhood.
It might even spark lively conversations about cherished childhood memories.
Released in September 1990, the song drew major attention as the theme for the Toho film of the same name.
In 1991, it was used in a commercial for Sony’s “Handycam 105,” reaching No.
4 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.
It is also included on the album Handsome Boy and has been loved by many for years.
It’s a great choice for music recreation with seniors, offering an approachable tune that anyone can hum along to.
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.
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.
SEPTEMBEREarth, Wind & Fire
Released in 1978, this track is perfect when you’re in the mood to move and have fun.
Buoyant guitar lines and a comfortable groove naturally get your hands clapping and feet tapping.
Its blend of soul, funk, jazz, and R&B is quintessential Earth, Wind & Fire.
Featured in films like Night at the Museum and Intimacy, it’s a beloved classic that has captivated many.
It’s no surprise it earned Gold certification from the RIAA—its timeless appeal is undeniable.
Highly recommended not only when you want to get your body moving, but also when you need a lift for your spirits.
Why not enjoy a wonderful musical moment by moving to the rhythm?
Soran Bushi
Even the interjections of “hai-hai” that pop up mid-song make Soran Bushi fun.
Do you know which prefecture’s folk song it is? It actually originated in Hokkaido.
I’ve heard it began as a work song to synchronize movements during herring fishing.
It’s said to have four sections, such as “Boat-Rowing Ondo” and “Child-Drumming Ondo,” which makes it quite grand in scope.
In Hokkaido, some schools even dance Soran Bushi at their sports festivals, so it’s a perfect piece for exercise or dance! Try moving your body with choreography you create freely—whether in a Bon Odori style or an exercise style.
Apple Song Exercise
While singing “The Apple Song” (Ringo no Uta), which is remembered as the first hit song after the war, this activity involves moving the body slowly.
The song has a uniquely calm atmosphere, so it gives the impression that you can move at an unhurried pace.
The movements mainly focus on the upper body, but by adding steps and singing, you can also stimulate brain activity.
Even if you’ve heard the song before, you might not remember the lyrics perfectly, so in that case, following along with the lyrics also adds a focus and concentration element.
