[For Seniors] Simple Rhythm Exercises: Recommended Songs and Routines

Exercise to the song ‘Spring Has Come’

Simple exercises and senior activities: “Spring Has Come” brain training that livens up day-service programs

The familiar children’s song “Spring Has Come.” This time, we’ll introduce a brain-training exercise you can do while singing this song.

First, let’s review the movement performed over four beats.

After taking three steps in place, on the fourth beat, clap your hands and lift your thigh.

That’s all.

This may seem simple on its own, but doing it while singing the nursery rhyme will likely change your impression.

Moving your body, recalling the lyrics, and singing—these separate actions provide stimulation to the brain and are said to help prevent cognitive decline.

It can be done anywhere and with any number of participants, so it’s also recommended as a recreational activity in senior care facilities.

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kojifumi

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Aiube exercises while singing

AIUE-BE exercises

The “A-I-U-BE exercises” are oral exercises that involve moving the mouth widely and voicing sounds.

They’re expected to help prevent cavities and improve tooth alignment.

After the exercises, your tongue naturally rests in a position that makes nasal breathing easier.

This is also said to help prevent influenza.

This time, let’s match the movements to music and move not only the mouth but also the arms.

By adding motions like raising both hands and swinging your arms, you can improve blood circulation throughout the body and help reduce mental fatigue.

Try adjusting the routine to the pace of older adults, such as performing it while seated.

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Nakajima Junko

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Exercises while singing

Kinta-kun Healthy Exercise: Fall-Prevention Fun Workout You Can Do While Singing

For preventing falls when elderly people walk, it’s important to make sure the toes are lifted.

If you straighten your back and take long strides, your toes naturally point upward when you land, and your heel touches the ground first.

This time, we’ll do a healthy exercise routine while singing the well-known children’s song “Tenohira ni Taiyo wo,” which was also featured on NHK’s Minna no Uta.

It’s a full-body exercise that uses the arms, shoulders, hips, and from the ankles to the toes, but it can be done while sitting in a chair, so you can take it slow and enjoy it along with the song.

Ball juggling in time with the song

All you need is a ball! This is fun♪ Sing and pass-the-ball activity!!

“Passing the ball to the song” is a wonderful activity that lets you move your body enjoyably with the help of music.

By passing a ball while singing, you can develop a sense of rhythm and teamwork.

It also helps strengthen the hands and arms of older adults.

The charm lies in being able to exercise in a friendly atmosphere while everyone hums along.

It can be done while seated, so even those who aren’t confident in their stamina can join easily.

Combining singing with ball passing will invigorate both mind and body.

It sounds like a fun time filled with smiles.

Song Exercise

Singing Brain-Training Exercise for Seniors: Day Service, Simple Health Exercises

This song exercise features only songs recommended for winter.

Snow, Campfire, and North Wind Boy Kantarō—aren’t they all nostalgic tunes you heard as a child? Here we introduce a Goo-Choki-Paa exercise you can do while singing these popular children’s songs.

It can be done seated, so it’s reassuring from a safety standpoint for older adults.

Since many movements involve using both the upper and lower body, it helps strengthen you both physically and mentally.

You can also express actions like opening and closing your hands with your fingertips, which should provide good stimulation for the brain.

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Nanaka

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Apple SongNamiki Michiko

Apple Song - Michiko Namiki - Showa-era song

“The Apple Song” is a piece that brought a ray of hope to postwar Japan.

Michiko Namiki’s bright singing voice lights a warm glow in the heart.

The lyrics convey the feelings of a young girl entrusted to an apple and the small joys of everyday life, evoking a sense of nostalgia.

Its gentle rhythm is perfect for seated exercises.

Moving your body to this song lets you enjoy getting healthier at the same time.

Humming along with older adults will surely make for a wonderful time—smiling as you reminisce about the past.

Tokyo RhapsodyFujiyama Ichirō

Dai-2 Shineryokuen Day Service Center: Tokyo Rhapsody Exercises

“Tokyo Rhapsody” is also popular as a song that gets seniors excited.

Its lyrics depict a Tokyo brimming with dreams.

Many people may have once dreamed of a Tokyo like the one in this piece.

Because it’s an up-tempo song, it’s perfect for seniors’ exercises.

You can do it standing, of course, but sitting is fine too.

The hallmark is moving the hands and feet vigorously while twisting the waist.

With such a lively tune, you’ll surely feel healthier in both body and mind after the workout.

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Nanaka

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