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Recommended Songs for Nursing Home Recreation [Fun Exercise, Soothing Songs]
This article introduces recommended songs for recreation in nursing homes.
Music can have positive effects on the mind and body, and it’s also great for accompanying exercise and relieving stress.
Because this selection is intended for recreation, we’ve chosen videos that make it easy for older adults to imagine using the songs for movement and that staff can use as helpful references.
Nostalgic songs and tunes that feel familiar to older adults are likely to be especially well received.
Every song has a lovely atmosphere and can lift the mood or be soothing.
Please make good use of them in your recreational activities.
Recommended Songs for Nursing Home Recreation [Fun Exercise, Healing Songs] (1–10)
March of 365 StepsSuizenji Kiyoko
A signature song by Kiyoko Suizenji, released in 1968 and a major hit.
It’s an uplifting anthem for life that has remained beloved across generations, often heard in commercials as covers and arranged versions.
The song’s vibe is perfect for recreation or a cheerful stroll, and its bright melody and straightforward message can be a source of energy for older adults.
For exercise routines, adding movement instead of just in-place steps could boost the workout.
It’s a song that lets you feel the joy of walking!
Soran Bushi
Soran Bushi, well-known from various events, is a folk song from Hokkaido that was beloved as a herring-fishing song.
It’s highly recommended as a recreational activity framed as a vigorous workout.
Because it features many dynamic and powerful movements, it should be effective for strength training as well.
Your body will warm up, and you’ll likely feel a lift in both body and mind.
It might feel difficult at first, but the enjoyment of improving with each session can lead to positive change.
Of course, seated exercises are also recommended! The more you learn about the song, the more attached you’ll feel to it, and studying some fun trivia along with it could be a great idea.
the first strong spring windNEW!kyandīzu
This is a memorable song with a bright melody that hints at the approach of warmer days as the harsh winter cold gradually eases.
It’s widely loved as one of Candies’ signature tunes, and just listening to it lifts your spirits.
Originally included on the 1975 album “Toshishita no Otokonoko,” the track was later refined in its production following a strong response and released as a single in March 1976.
Its lyrics, perfect for the season of melting snow, and its light, lively rhythm make it ideal for exercise or recreational activities.
If everyone claps along and hums together, the whole venue is sure to be enveloped in a warm atmosphere, like spring sunshine.
The Hare and the Tortoise
A very easy-to-hum children’s song that will be familiar even to older adults.
Based on an Aesop fable, it was published in 1901 in the first volume of “Songs for Young Children, Part II.” Many exercise-with-song videos have been uploaded, so it’s great for recreation.
There are various versions, but it’s perfect for simple choreography that can be done mostly while seated.
You can make the hand positions different on the left and right, reverse the order partway through, or add larger movements.
It’s also nice that it’s easy to sing, and it should be useful even as a daily exercise routine without singing.
What a nice bath.Za Dorifutāzu
Originally a local song from Gunma Prefecture by Duke Aces, the nationwide version covered by The Drifters became a uniquely Japanese classic beloved in living rooms across the country.
Its quirky sound is addictive, isn’t it? Whether you sing it, listen to it, or dance to it, it wraps you in a fun mood.
Of course, it’s also hugely popular as a recreation song for seniors! Since this is a song about hot springs, it works even better if the content helps listeners picture the scenes in the lyrics.
Try swapping in local place names, adding choreography linked to the words, or throwing in call-and-response parts—feel free to arrange it as you like.
It’s a top recommendation for enjoying the energy that emerges on the spot.
It’ll bring a smile to your face!
Kiyoshi’s Zundoko SongHikawa Kiyoshi
A classic, especially recommended for seniors who enjoy enka.
This is Kiyoshi Hikawa’s third single, released in 2002, when he was in the spotlight as the “Prince of Enka.” It may be relatively new for some older listeners, but it’s so beloved that few people don’t know it.
Its catchy melody makes you hum along, and its nostalgic, old-Japan atmosphere is captivating.
The upbeat rhythm makes you want to dance, and it’s perfect for exercise routines! After one song’s worth of recreation, everyone will be in high spirits.
Tokyo Boogie-WoogieKasaogi Shizuko
We just want everyone to feel joyful! A perfect song for that kind of recreation is “Tokyo Boogie-Woogie.” Sung by Shizuko Kasagi, it was released in 1947 and became a hit—an iconic masterpiece representing postwar Japan.
In the 2010s, it was also widely loved as the track for a Clear Asahi commercial, so it’s familiar not only to seniors but also to staff, making it a great song to enjoy together.
It’s perfect for stretching and exercise, and if you like to dance, give it a try! The song’s sense of freedom and excitement will lift your spirits.