With upbeat rhythm routines! Music therapy for seniors
When you listen to nostalgic songs, you find yourself humming along, keeping the rhythm, and moving your body naturally.
They may also bring back memories and spark lively conversations.
This time, we’ve gathered music activities that are fun and engaging.
At events, playing the melody on a piano or keyboard is recommended, as you can match the seniors’ singing and movements.
Adding accompaniment makes it even more exciting.
Let’s use our big voices to make it a joyful gathering!
With lively rhythm skits! Music therapy for seniors (1–10)
Taiko Performance: Pomp and CircumstanceNEW!
https://www.tiktok.com/@akkoteacher/video/7588533416015056135By matching the stately rhythm of “Pomp and Circumstance” and alternating between real drums and handmade ones, each participant can experience becoming a member of the ensemble.
By intentionally dividing roles—some keeping a slow, steady beat and others adding accents—natural cooperation and focus emerge.
Rather than aiming for perfection, savoring the joy of layering sounds enhances self-expression and a sense of accomplishment, allowing even typically reserved people to make their presence felt through sound.
Please enjoy this slightly special time where you can feel the joy of having your own role while being enveloped in music.
Radio calisthenics with taiko drumsNEW!
When you do Radio Calisthenics to live wadaiko drumming, it transforms from simple exercise into something like a stage performance.
The deep bass of the drums resonates through your body, naturally adding power and crispness to your movements and helping you focus more than usual.
Wearing a happi coat and a headband amps up your spirit even more—highly recommended.
By adjusting your motions to the dynamics and rhythm of the performance, you also stimulate your brain, making it less boring and easier to keep up.
It’s an experiential recreation where sound and movement become one—slightly special and truly memorable.
Taiko Rhythm Exercise: Happy HinamatsuriNEW!
A taiko rhythm exercise that lets you enjoy moving your body while feeling the seasons and a sense of nostalgia.
Humming along helps regulate breathing, which is effective for activating cardiopulmonary function and refreshing your mood.
Listening to the Hinamatsuri song can bring back old memories, sparking conversation and stimulating cognitive function.
Using a tissue box as a drum has the advantages of being light and soft, making it safe even for older adults who may have difficulty adjusting their strength, and reducing the risk of injury.
Plus, because it uses familiar materials, preparation is easy, costs are minimal, and you can start right away—another appealing point.
Taiko Rhythm Exercise: The Pointed Hat SongNEW!
The Song of the Pointed Hat lets you enjoy fun and nostalgia at the same time.
Tapping a paper-plate drum with your hands to its familiar melody—one that everyone has heard at least once—gets your body moving naturally and allows you to exercise effortlessly.
Moving your hands and feet to the rhythm helps maintain muscle strength and stimulate the brain, making it recommended for dementia prevention.
Plus, playing sounds together creates a sense of unity and helps improve communication.
With few difficult movements and the option to participate while seated, it’s also a big draw for those who may be concerned about their stamina, allowing them to join with confidence.
Taiko Drums and Summer FestivalsNEW!
Speaking of summer festivals, taiko drums are a must, aren’t they? The deep sound of the big drums can blow away the heat and energize you.
Some older adults might even hear the drums and recall fond memories from long ago.
Let’s enjoy Bon Odori by drumming along to the songs.
When playing the drums, adjust the height so you can play while seated in a chair, and be careful not to strain your body.
Also, if you’re planning to play drums indoors, it’s a good idea to open the windows to reduce echo, or cover the drum with cloth to control the sound.
Taiko no TatsujinNEW!
You often see the Taiko no Tatsujin arcade machine at game centers.
In the real game, you strike the drum with sticks in time with the music.
For recreational activities with older adults, try clapping hands instead.
If you have video of Taiko no Tatsujin, clap along where the hits occur, and during drumrolls, keep a steady handclap.
Reactions like “I made a mistake!” or “I did it all!” are likely to get seniors excited and engaged.
Of course, you can also prepare an actual drum and play it.
It’s a perfect drumming game for festival-themed recreation, like summer festivals or harvest festivals.
365-Step March ExerciseNEW!
Kiyoko Suizenji’s “365-Step March” is a hugely popular song among seniors, isn’t it? This exercise routine is a rhythmic workout set to that classic tune.
Once the nostalgic melody starts, your body might naturally start moving.
The moves match the lyrics perfectly, focusing on marching in place and alternating your arms and legs forward.
You can do it seated or standing, so it’s nice to choose based on how you’re feeling.
Let’s extend our healthy life expectancy with this marching exercise that’s fun for both large and small groups!
