RAG MusicRecreation
Lovely senior life

Lively songs recommended for people in their 90s—fun songs for everyone to listen to and sing together.

When you want to enjoy music with people in their 90s around you—such as family members or residents at a care facility—it can be hard to decide which songs to choose.

You might think, “Songs from the Showa era could work,” but it’s still difficult to imagine exactly which songs people in their 90s would like.

So in this article, I’ll introduce plenty of songs recommended for people in their 90s!

This time, we’re focusing on lively, crowd-pleasing tunes—songs that are widely known among people in their 90s and that make listeners feel happy and uplifted.

They’re perfect not only for listening together, but also for singing along as a group.

I hope you find this helpful!

Energetic songs recommended for people in their 90s: fun songs for everyone to listen to and sing together (31–40)

school daysPegī Hayama

Peggy Hayama - Student Days (with lyrics)
school daysPegī Hayama

Set against the backdrop of a mission school filled with memories, this heartwarming classic by Peggy Hayama gently weaves a sweet page of youth.

Scenes of the beloved campus are beautifully depicted—the prayers in the chapel, the library with falling autumn leaves, and memories on the tennis courts.

Her tender, embracing voice and the melody that resonates in the heart create a perfect harmony.

Released by King Records in 1964 and performed on the NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen in 1965, the song became a major hit, achieving million-seller status.

A monument bearing the song’s lyrics was erected in front of Aoyama Gakuin’s chapel, and it continues to be cherished by many to this day.

Hum a few lines when friends gather, and stories of joyful school days are sure to bloom.

Apple SongNamiki Michiko

Apple Song - Michiko Namiki - Showa-era song
Apple SongNamiki Michiko

A gentle, warm song that likens the object of one’s affection to an apple.

Released in January 1946, it became a classic that drew a major response for the first time in the postwar era.

As the theme song of the film “Soyokaze,” it was performed as a duet by Michiko Namiki and Noboru Kirishima.

Under the blue sky, the way the singer longs for the charming apple is portrayed alongside a refreshing melody.

In the turmoil of the time, it became a ray of hope.

For older listeners, it’s a nostalgic piece that brings back memories of the good old days.

Setting aside time to sing it together in a care facility may well spark lively conversations about happy times gone by.

Swim, Taiyaki-kunShimon Masato

Oyoge! Taiyaki-kun Lyrics and Music by Hiroo Takada, Toshikazu Sase
Swim, Taiyaki-kunShimon Masato

With lively, uplifting lyrics and melody, Masato Shimon’s bright singing voice leaves a strong impression.

Its humorous world—where fish-shaped sweets set off swimming in the sea—makes for a heartwarming piece that brings a smile to anyone’s face.

Released in December 1975, the song spent 11 consecutive weeks at No.

1 on the Oricon chart.

It aired on Fuji TV’s program “Hirake! Ponkikki,” generating a huge response.

The playful lyrics and light, brisk rhythm are delightful, and its catchy familiarity makes it easy for anyone to hum along.

It’s a perfect choice for cheerful recreational settings or group singing.

Add some handclaps and enjoy a warm, pleasant time together.

Ozasiki Song

Ozashiki kouta, popular song, Kyoto, geiko
Ozasiki Song

It was sung in 1964 by Hiroshi Wada and the Mahina Stars along with Kazuko Matsuo.

While the Tokyo Olympics likely helped, the economy at the time was far from strong, yet the song became a massive hit with total sales of 2.5 million copies, setting a new record for record sales back then.

Thanks to its musical style, it also became wildly popular at drinking parties across the country: people would sing just the first verse, then others around them would join in with humorous parody verses and enjoy themselves.

It’s said that it can be even more enjoyable at senior care facilities’ recreational events if, in addition to singing the original lyrics, participants share parody versions they know.

Kawachi Ondo

Kawachi Ondo (Osaka Prefecture folk song)
Kawachi Ondo

Kawachi Ondo, one of the folk songs best known from Bon Odori, is said to have formed through a blend and arrangement of indigenous ondo and folk tunes that were sung in the area corresponding to the southeastern part of present-day Osaka Prefecture.

Because it came to be sung primarily as a Bon dance song, it has deep ties to Buddhism and also carries the character of a requiem.

Although Kawachi Ondo was born in a single locality, the 1961 record Teppō-bushi Kawachi Ondo became a million-seller, spreading its name not only throughout Japan but overseas as well.

For older listeners, just hearing the sound might be enough to set their hands moving involuntarily.