[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!
- Energetic and Lively! Sing-and-Exercise Program for Seniors
- [For Seniors] Have Fun and Relieve Stress! Introducing Dances Everyone Can Enjoy Together
- For People in Their 90s: Dance Tracks and Exercise Songs That Make Moving Your Body Fun!
- For Seniors: Fun and Lively Exercise Recreation
- [For Seniors] Recommended Rhythm Play and Exercises
- 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: Recommended Songs and Workouts (51–60)
A-I-U-Be mouth exercise staring game
It’s an exercise that adds “staring contest” to the “A-I-U-BE mouth exercise,” so it includes lots of laughter.
It can of course be enjoyed at care facilities, and it also seems perfect to try at home with your grandchildren.
Some older adults may have limited interaction with others.
With a staring-contest version of the A-I-U-BE exercise, you can foster interaction and smiles through the activity.
It’s easy to do as a game for recreation, so it’s highly recommended.
Let’s enjoy doing mouth exercises while having fun.
Hinamatsuri Exercise
Here’s an introduction to a seated exercise that’s perfect for March.
Let’s move our legs and arms to the tune of the children’s song “Ureshii Hinamatsuri.” This exercise is expected to improve blood circulation and help reduce swelling.
Many older adults have probably heard or sung “Ureshii Hinamatsuri” at least once, right? Using a familiar song makes it easier to get started.
Some of the moves also match the imagery of the lyrics, which makes them easy to remember and helps the body move more naturally.
It’s fine to wait until you’re comfortable, but try doing the exercises while singing along.
What shall we make with rock, scissors, paper?
The “Goo-Choki-Paa de Nani Tsukurou” exercise is a song that many older adults are familiar with.
Those with children may remember singing it to them often.
This hand-play song involves moving your body while singing, which provides good stimulation for the brain.
What’s more, just by combining rock, scissors, and paper in different ways, you can create many variations.
It’s a hand-play song enjoyed by a wide range of ages, from children to seniors, so it might be nice to try it together with your grandchildren.
Rock, paper, scissors with pumpkin
Goo-Choki-Pa Pumpkin is a recommended exercise for Halloween.
Dressing up in Halloween costumes while you dance will lift your spirits and make it even more fun.
Since the Goo-Choki-Pa movements are incorporated into various parts, it should help activate the brain.
You can do it standing or sitting, so please adjust it to your physical and mental condition.
The song used here is an upbeat track that I believe will also benefit the minds and bodies of older adults.
Let’s enjoy the Goo-Choki-Pa exercise along with the up-tempo music.
[For Seniors] Easy Rhythm Exercises: Recommended Songs and Routines (61–70)
Guu-Choki-Paa Exercise
The “Rock-Paper-Scissors Exercise” is recommended for preventing dementia.
There are many nerves in the fingers, and since they connect to the brain, using them helps activate both mind and body.
The best way to prevent cognitive decline is to use your head while moving your body.
The Rock-Paper-Scissors Exercise combines all of these elements.
This time, we’ll switch rock, paper, and scissors between the left and right hands.
Alternating movements provide good stimulation for the brain.
Let’s all enjoy doing it together.
A-I-U-Be mouth exercise to the rhythm
This is the “A-I-U-BE” exercise performed to a rhythm.
Let’s add singing while doing the A-I-U-BE exercises.
With an upbeat melody, older adults will feel cheerful and more willing to give the exercises a try.
If the lyrics describe how to open the mouth, it also helps older adults move their mouths smoothly.
Many senior facilities incorporate A-I-U-BE exercises as training for the mouth and tongue.
Singing is also recommended for preventing aspiration, as it helps strengthen the throat and abdominal muscles.
It also promotes saliva secretion, which helps maintain a healthy oral environment.
Give it a try while having fun!
Northern Country Spring Exercises
We would like to introduce an exercise set to the classic song “Kitaguni no Haru,” which most older adults are likely familiar with.
March in place during the intro, then raise and lower your hands, do open-and-close (grip-and-release) movements, and tap your hands, shoulders, and knees.
There are also twisting motions for the neck and torso, so be careful not to overexert yourself.
It’s a good idea to review the movements beforehand if it’s your first time.
When doing this as a recreation activity at a senior facility, giving prompts such as “Next is marching in place,” each time will make it more enjoyable.
