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!
- [For Seniors] Recommended Rhythm Play and Exercises
- [For older adults] Music recreation that helps boost mood and improve health
- [For Seniors] Recommended for Recreation! A Collection of Fun and Lively Parody Songs
- [For Seniors] Recommended Songs for Care Activities and Events! Crowd-Pleasers That Bring Joy
- [Brain Training for Seniors] Recommended Hand-Play Recreation for Dementia Prevention
- [For Seniors] Recommended Songs for Music Therapy Tailored to Physical and Mental Conditions
- For Seniors: Fun and Lively Exercise Recreation
- Hand games that liven things up for seniors—also great brain training
- [For Seniors] Simple Rhythm Exercises: Recommended Songs and Routines
- March nursery rhymes & hand play songs! Spring songs you can enjoy with your kids
- [For Seniors] Popular Hand-Play Songs: Fun Brain-Training Ideas
- Recommended Songs for Nursing Home Recreation [Fun Exercise, Soothing Songs]
- For Seniors: Effective Recreation for Preventing Care Needs—Have Fun While Staying Healthy
With an Exciting Rhythm Routine! Music Therapy for Seniors (11–20)
Song sung at the beginning of the meeting
Let’s try doing exercises while singing to kick off events and recreational activities.
If you use exercise routines set to music familiar to older adults, it’s easier for them to participate.
It also helps them recognize that the event or activity is about to begin.
Singing alone is fine, but adding exercises stimulates the brain and can help prevent cognitive decline.
The key is to incorporate movements inspired by the lyrics.
Visualizing the mood and scenes in the lyrics and recalling corresponding movements can also provide brain-training benefits.
Be sure to choose songs that older adults know, and add some exercises too.
Zunpa Ondo: Calisthenics for Seniors
When it comes to the most famous Bon Odori song… that’s right, “Tokyo Ondo.” Well, it might depend on the person.
You also hear it a lot as the Tokyo Yakult Swallows’ cheering song, so it’s common even outside the Obon season.
Another surprisingly fun one is “Zunpa Ondo.” It has a lot of repeated parts and fun clapping sections, so if you’re looking for a song that really draws in the whole venue, this is my top recommendation above all! Plenty of people have uploaded reference dance videos on video sites, so even those who aren’t confident about dancing can relax.
Give it a try!
Donpan Exercises
Do you know the song where the word “Donpan” is repeated? It’s one of those tunes where, as soon as you hear the melody, you think, “Oh, that song!” It’s fairly well-known, but the composer and original source are unclear; some say it might be based on the “Donpan-bushi.” Using that Donpan melody to enjoy the “Donpan Taiso” could make for a fun performance.
Clap your hands, slap your thighs—make active use of any parts you can stamp or tap.
It’s an easy song to create your own choreography for, and highly recommended.
Brown kobin hand clap
Let us introduce the brown Kobin hand-clap that follows the rhythm.
Clap on “Pan,” and take a rest on “Un.” The tempo changes a little partway through the rhythm.
The number of claps also changes to match the tempo.
Clapping along while listening to the rhythm helps refresh both body and mind and fosters communication with those around you.
It’s an activity you can enjoy while seated, so please give it a try.
It’s also recommended to use small instruments like bells while doing it.
Number Exercise
Here’s a fun number exercise where you get to learn movements, too.
For 1, touch your head with both hands.
For 2, cross your hands in front of your chest.
For 3, clap your hands and move your body.
The moves and rules are simple, but since you have to think, you might get a little confused at first.
Until you get used to it, say the numbers clearly and keep a slow rhythm.
Once it becomes familiar, try adding combinations where you call out two numbers, or speed up the rhythm for a challenge.
Let’s make it something you can enjoy while you practice.
Hotto Atto Nanto Taisō
“Hotto Atto Nanto” is the catchphrase of Nanto City in Toyama Prefecture.
It conveys a sense of security and comfort, giving you a feel for the atmosphere of Nanto.
“From the Green Village” is a song created to commemorate the 5th anniversary of Nanto City’s merger, and let’s move our bodies along with this song.
Despite its slow tempo, the uplifting lyrics of “From the Green Village” bring a calm, peaceful feeling.
It’s a song that resonates with older adults as well.
The rhythm is just right for seniors to move their bodies to, so please give it a try.
With lively rhythm skits! Music therapy for seniors (21–30)
Rhythmic gymnastics with Momotaro
Here’s a rhythm exercise using the familiar song Momotaro.
Sit in a chair and rotate your arms to the beat of the song.
Slowly twist your body to the left and right.
Be careful not to fall off the chair when twisting.
When spreading your arms and legs, move within a comfortable range.
At the end, take slow deep breaths to steady your breathing and relax.
It’s also recommended to move your body using a ball or a towel.
Stay safe and enjoy getting your body moving.