Activities perfect for July for seniors: Introducing games and recreational options

Bon Odori exercises done while seated

[For Seniors and the Elderly] Seated Bon Odori Exercise (Tanko-bushi) / Enjoy exercising with a summer festival vibe!

When you go to summer festivals, you often see people enjoying bon odori, the traditional festival dance.

Many older adults have probably danced it at least once, too.

So this time, we’re introducing a bon odori exercise you can use for summer festival activities at care facilities.

It can be done seated, making it a great option for those who find standing difficult.

For the upper body, raise both hands above your head and clap along; for the lower body, extend your heels forward and march your feet in place.

The moves are all simple, so try dancing along to your favorite bon odori song.

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sasashina

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Showa Era Classic Song Rhythm Exercises

[Limited-time streaming until March 31, 2026] Gentle exercises for seniors [5 selected song-exercises] Rhythm exercises to classic Showa-era hits that can be done while seated

When it’s too hot to go outside, why not have fun moving your body indoors? What we’re introducing is rhythm exercises danced to classic Showa-era hits.

They’re basically done seated, so even those who find it difficult to dance standing can enjoy them.

Because many of the moves involve large upper-body motions, be sure to leave enough space between chairs when doing this with multiple people, such as in a facility activity.

Depending on the song, wearing a happi coat or dancing with a folding fan can help you enjoy the atmosphere of the music, so it’s recommended.

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sasashina

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Tankō Bushi danced while seated in a chair

Tanking-bushi danced while sitting on a chair 🍧

You can also dance it as a Bon Odori to the music of “Tankō Bushi,” right? For many older adults, it may feel like a song that evokes summer.

We’ll move our bodies to the tune of “Tankō Bushi.” As they move, some seniors might remember dancing it in the past.

Since it can be done while seated, it’s safe to dance indoors even on hot days.

“Tankō Bushi” is also a representative song of the Showa era, so people might sing along as they dance.

It’s a recommended exercise for summer festival activities at facilities as well.

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Nakajima Junko

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Hanagasa Ondo, a dance performed with fans in hand

One-Hand Dance 🌟 Remake of “Hanagasa Ondo” — Dance beautifully with one hand. Prepare a fan (uchiwa).

The Yamagata Hanagasa Festival is held in Yamagata during the summer.

As one of the four major festivals of the Tohoku region, it reportedly attracts about one million visitors from inside and outside the prefecture.

Dancers don hanagasa hats and perform along to the song “Hanagasa Ondo.” Why not try bringing this summer festival from Yamagata Prefecture into senior care facilities as well? You can substitute the hanagasa with a uchiwa fan for the dance.

Using a fan allows you to express movements that look graceful and elegant with either one hand or both.

The dance can be done while seated, and its gentle motions are likely to bring smiles to the faces of older adults.

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Nakajima Junko

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Fireworks, swimming in the ocean, and the watermelon-splitting exercise

[Recommended for Summer] Fireworks, Swimming at the Beach, and Watermelon-Splitting Exercises! Also Recommended for Reminiscence Therapy

When you think of July, what comes to mind? Fireworks, swimming in the sea, watermelon-splitting—these may be some of the things that come to mind for older adults.

It’s said that recalling the past can help increase blood flow in the brain.

With that in mind, here’s an exercise routine that incorporates movements inspired by things associated with July.

Of course, it’s also fine to use movements based on July-related ideas provided by older participants themselves.

While doing the exercises, you can look back on childhood memories or summer episodes spent with family.

From there, conversations can naturally emerge, helping to promote communication as well.

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Nakajima Junko

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Song Exercise: Festival Mambo

I tried making an exercise routine for Hibari Misora’s “Omatsuri Mambo”!

The key is dancing with a uchiwa fan! Here are some ideas for a sing-along exercise to “Omatsuri Mambo.” In summer, many of us use uchiwa fans to beat the heat, right? This time, let’s move our bodies and exercise to Hibari Misora’s “Omatsuri Mambo.” The video shows choreography you can copy either standing or sitting, so give it a try.

Using a uchiwa fan makes the movements look more striking!

Song Exercise Festival

Health exercise to the tune of Saburo Kitajima’s “Matsuri”! Super popular at day care! [Song Exercise] [Rhythm Exercise]

Enjoy it even while seated! Here are ideas for a sing-and-exercise routine to the song “Matsuri.” When you think of summer festivals or evening cool-down festivals, many people imagine Bon Odori, right? This time, let’s move our bodies to the famous song “Matsuri” by the legendary Saburo Kitajima.

The video introduces ideas for movements you can do while sitting! Even subtle motions will loosen up your body if you do them properly—no doubt about it! Sing, dance, and make fun memories.