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[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!

[For Seniors] Easy Rhythm Exercises: Recommended Songs and Workouts (21–30)

Caregiving Dance Exercise: Dracula

#3, Care dance exercises that seniors can do while seated ♪ 3, Dracula
Caregiving Dance Exercise: Dracula

Halloween, with its images of various monsters, has a fun side amid the eeriness, doesn’t it? Among the monsters that convey that Halloween fun, we’re focusing on Dracula—this is an exercise routine that expresses Dracula playfully through body movements.

Set to MAX’s “Dracula,” it recreates lunging, attacking motions; encourage participants to feel the rhythm firmly as they go.

Because the song is fast, structuring the routine with relaxed movements—like making one move span two beats—is the key to helping everyone enjoy moving their bodies.

Halloween dance for seniors

[Day Service Kokoro] Senior Halloween Dance! A seated recreation activity | Japan’s Elderly Support Service
Halloween dance for seniors

Speaking of Halloween, many people picture it as a spooky yet fun event filled with all kinds of motifs like ghosts and monsters.

This activity aims to capture that variety of motifs and eerie atmosphere through body movements so you can really feel the spirit of the event.

The basic movement is the ghost’s swaying motion, which you can do with your arms and upper body to keep the physical strain low.

It also sounds fun to have everyone think up new motifs they’d like to see at Halloween and add more movements based on those ideas.

[For Seniors] Easy Rhythm Exercises: Recommended Songs and Routines (31–40)

Song of the Frogs

Brain-training exercises with the Frog Song! 2022, Mr. Gobō
Song of the Frogs

Hand-play activities set to the song “Kaeru no Uta” (Song of the Frog) can be expected to stimulate the brain by moving the fingers in rhythm.

For example, you can alternately form a snail shape with your hands in time with the song, and, playing on the word “kaeru” (which also means “to flip/turn over”), add a motion where you turn your hands upside down mid-routine to boost both fun and focus.

If you also extend your hands forward to make a ‘open palm’ (pa) shape, then pull them back into a ‘fist’ (gu) shape, you’ll be coordinating fingers and arms in different ways, which helps train judgment and reflexes.

By adding variations to the movements, it’s easier to keep going without getting bored, and because it can be done while seated, it’s a recommended recreation activity in care settings.

365 Steps MarchSuizenji Kiyoko

I tried making an exercise routine for Kiyoko Suizenji’s “365-Step March.”
365 Steps MarchSuizenji Kiyoko

This is an exercise done to the song “365-Step March” by Kiyoko Suizenji, also known as Chii-taa.

It’s recommended because it can be done seated, tailored to the physical and mental conditions of older adults.

Just listening to this song makes everyone feel energized, doesn’t it? The important thing is to draw out the motivation to exercise, so it should be beneficial for seniors.

Kiyoko Suizenji’s powerful singing voice is very appealing.

And this exercise involves moving the hands and feet, so it’s easy for anyone to do.

I think doing this routine will invigorate both body and mind.

Brain-training exercises with nursery rhymes

How about this for your morning exercise? Brain-training recreation exercises to the tune of “Antagata Dokosa” [Exercise]
Brain-training exercises with nursery rhymes

“Brain Training Exercise with Nursery Rhymes” is a fun workout that incorporates the melodies and rhythms of nostalgic songs.

As older adults move their hands and feet while reminiscing about the past, it can help stimulate cognitive function.

Because it can be done while seated, even those who aren’t confident in their physical strength can join with peace of mind.

Moving the body together while singing also naturally encourages communication.

It’s recommended for recreational activities in care facilities and for quality time with family.

Let’s enjoy getting healthier to the comfort of pleasant music!

Rhythmic exercises to a children’s song

If you want everyone to have fun together, this is it! Rhythm activities to “Under the Spreading Chestnut Tree.” #musictherapy #musicactivity #dayservice #dayrec #recreation #seniors
Rhythmic exercises to a children's song

Rhythm exercises set to nursery rhymes are a wonderful idea that let you move your body to nostalgic songs.

By lifting your legs and clapping your hands in time with the lyrics of “Antagata Dokosa,” you can enjoy both fun and a sense of rhythm.

In particular, the movement of lifting your leg on the “sa” beat helps stimulate the brain.

If you incorporate it into your morning routine, it seems like a refreshing way to start the day.

Nursery rhymes are familiar and can provide an enjoyable time for older adults as well.

If everyone sings while moving together, it becomes a recreation full of smiles!

The railroad tracks go on forever.

Fingerplay song: The Railroad Goes On Forever
The railroad tracks go on forever.

Here’s an idea for a fun hand-play song that lets you move your body to the rhythm: “I’ve Been Working on the Railroad” (Senro wa Tsuzuku yo Doko Made mo).

Face your partner, press your palms together, and alternate clapping, adding movements up, down, left, and right to keep it from becoming monotonous while building concentration and reflexes.

Changing the tempo—speeding it up or slowing it down—adds variety so it stays engaging.

Since it only uses hand and arm movements, participants can join in while seated.

Facing each other also naturally encourages smiles and conversation, making it a great activity for social interaction.