[For Seniors] Simple Rhythm Exercises: Recommended Songs and Routines
One of the things we should pay attention to in caregiving settings is dementia prevention.
To keep the brain healthy, physical activity is important.
Some of you may be wondering if there are any recreational activities that allow older adults—who often spend long periods sitting—to move their bodies while having fun.
In this article, we introduce recommended songs for rhythm exercises! Because there are many nostalgic classics, older adults are sure to enjoy them.
Please make use of this as a recreation activity that can be enjoyed with lots of smiles!
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- Also great for dementia care! Recommended dance songs for people in their 70s: Let’s dance to those classic hits
- With upbeat rhythm routines! Music therapy for seniors
- [For Seniors] Songs Everyone Can Sing Together! A Roundup of Recommended Crowd-Pleasers
- Ranking of popular songs for senior citizens
- [For Seniors] Popular Hand-Play Songs: Fun Brain-Training Ideas
- [For Seniors] Hand and finger play roundup: Finger exercises that lead to brain training
- [Brain Training for Seniors] Recommended Hand-Play Recreation for Dementia Prevention
- [Recommended for seniors] Rejuvenating Rock-Paper-Scissors Exercise
[For Seniors] Easy Rhythm Exercise. Recommended Songs and Exercises (71–80)
North TavernHosokawa Takashi
Takashi Hosokawa is a leading figure in the enka world.
The first time he won the Japan Record Award was with “Kita Sakaba.” It’s an enka song with a slightly pop feel, and its catchy chorus is part of the appeal.
The lyrics depict a love story set in a bar.
The tempo is moderately fast, so it should be easy to get into the rhythm.
Try stretching your arms and lifting your knees as you go.
It’s not just a stretch—you can also expect improvements in lung capacity and overall stamina.
The Apple SongNamiki Michiko, Kirishima Noboru
Ever since its release in 1945, Ringo no Uta has been widely loved, and I highly recommend it.
This version is a song by Michiko Namiki and Noboru Kirishima, and it’s also known for being covered by Hibari Misora.
The lyrics gently sing about a young girl’s bittersweet love, likening it to an apple.
It’s a tune almost everyone has heard, so you can enjoy working on it with a sense of nostalgia.
Plus, gently swaying your body or doing some stretches to its relaxed melody can help loosen up both body and mind.
The Bride of SetoKoyanagi Rumiko
This is an exercise routine set to “Seto no Hanayome,” one of Rumiko Koyanagi’s signature songs.
It’s a perfect track for the refreshing season, and many people may be reminded of when they got married when they hear it.
Those from the Setouchi region in particular may feel a deep sense of nostalgia.
The exercise set to “Seto no Hanayome” has a relaxed tempo, making it easy to learn each movement.
Rowing motions and movements from the fingertips to the shoulders stimulate muscles you don’t usually use, which helps activate the brain.
Enjoy doing it while being enchanted by Rumiko Koyanagi’s clear, beautiful voice.
The Night Wind of the JourneyKirishima Noboru
Noboru Kirishima, who released numerous masterpiece songs to the world.
He and Miss Columbia, Misao Matsubara, created “Tabi no Yokaze” (Night Wind of the Journey).
This piece portrays the feelings of a woman traveling alone.
Its charm lies in lyrics that invite you to imagine, “I wonder what happened.” Because it’s slow-tempo, try slowly turning your palms over or making mime-like movements to match.
The motions themselves are modest and simple, but you’ll naturally find your posture straightening.
It’s also recommended for those who want to improve their fitness at a relaxed pace.
Ginza Kan-kan GirlTakamine Hideko
“Ginza Kan Kan Musume” is a single released by Hideko Takamine in April 1949.
It’s famous as a movie theme song.
The lyrics, set in the period just after the war, may evoke memories for older adults.
We also recommend doing this exercise while humming the song.
Singing while exercising helps stimulate the minds and bodies of seniors.
It includes movements that lift the legs high, which also help expand range of motion.
Enjoy it alongside this nostalgic tune as you look back on memories of your younger days.
In conclusion
I’m sure some of the songs brought back memories.
By using rhythm exercises set to music, you can train your brain while having fun! I introduced them by individual tracks, but combining a few into a medley also sounds enjoyable.
Even with the same movements, the changing tempo gives you an extra workout! Give it a try!