[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 Exercises: Introducing Recommended Songs and Routines (11–20)
Crimson SunMisora Hibari
“Crimson Sun” is a song by Hibari Misora and Jackie Yoshikawa & The Blue Comets, released on May 25, 1967.
As the title suggests, it’s a great song to use for exercise in midsummer.
Hibari Misora’s unforgettable classic features her in a bright red outfit, delivering a powerful vocal performance that still resonates today.
The exercise routine set to this song is characterized by simple movements that are easy for seniors to remember.
The choreography, based on the lyrics—clapping hands and drawing the sun with your palms—is also quite memorable.
Winter Song Exercises
Sing-along activities are offered in many senior and welfare facilities.
Singing helps relieve stress and, because it moves the mouth, also works as an oral exercise.
Moreover, combining songs with simple exercises—song-exercise routines—stimulates the cerebrum, activates the brain, and can help prevent dementia.
If the exercises use songs people like, even seniors who feel reluctant to move might think, “Maybe I’ll give it a try.” Seasonal songs, such as winter-themed ones, can also help seniors feel the season as they exercise.
Spring Song Exercise
When we listen to songs like “Haru no Ogawa” and “Sakura Sakura,” we picture the warm, sunny weather of spring.
Let’s try doing some exercises to these spring songs.
As you sing, clap your hands and lift your legs.
Many children’s songs are likely familiar to older adults, too.
It’s said that recalling and singing the lyrics of songs you know can also serve as a workout for the brain.
For older adults who find it difficult to move their legs, just the hand motions are perfectly fine.
Please participate within the range you can manage.
365-Step March Exercise
This is about moving your body energetically to the rhythm of Kiyoko Suizenji’s song “365-Step March.” By matching the powerful yet steady tempo characteristic of a march, you can put real strength into the exercises.
The routine mainly involves moving the upper body while seated in a chair, and by keeping proper posture in mind, it can lead to a full-body workout.
Incorporating steps and hand claps, and even singing along as you go, will make it more enjoyable to move—highly recommended.
tea picking
Let me introduce the singing activity “Chatsumi” (Tea Picking).
It’s super simple—you can learn it in about 3 minutes—so it’s perfect for recreational activities at care facilities! We’ll do easy movements to the well-known children’s song Chatsumi.
While singing, repeat two steps in place followed by one hand clap.
Only in the final measure, clap three times instead of once, so be careful there! This kind of rhythmic exercise with consistent movements promotes blood circulation and helps boost immunity, so give it a try.
What a nice bath.Za Dorifutāzu
Let me introduce “Ii Yu da na,” a song that’s likely to boost your motivation for gymnastics.
This is the ending theme from the TV show “It’s 8 o’clock! Everybody Gather,” performed by The Drifters.
It was originally created as a local song for Gunma Prefecture, but nowadays their parody version is widely known.
The lyrics are comical, so listening to it can brighten your mood and help you approach gymnastics more enthusiastically.
Try incorporating movements that match the lyrics, such as gestures you’d make when pouring hot spring water.
[For Seniors] Easy Rhythm Exercises: Recommended Songs and Workouts (21–30)
I can hear the Christmas song
With its gentle melody and calm tempo that warm the heart, this song is popular as a dance tune that’s easy for seniors to enjoy.
Amid its brightness, it also has a composed atmosphere, making it perfect for opening or closing a Christmas party.
The choreography is simple—waving hands side to side or placing hands together in front of the chest—so it can be enjoyed comfortably whether standing or sitting.
It’s also great for an arranged exercise that changes movements to match the lyrics.
For example, cup a hand to your ear during “I can hear it,” and spread both arms wide for “Let’s all sing,” turning it into expressive play that makes the atmosphere even more fun.
