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.
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Recommended Songs for Nursing Home Recreation [Fun Exercise, Healing Songs] (1–10)
Blue MountainsFujiyama Ichirō, Nara Mitsue
For many older adults, “Aoi Sanmyaku” (Blue Mountain Range) is an extremely familiar tune that you can’t help but hum.
Released in 1949 as the theme song for a film of the same name, it’s a classic from the Showa era.
The blue mountain range—resembling the hometown scenery that lives on in people’s memories—gave courage to everyone and helped propel postwar recovery.
Many people surely drew strength from this song! With its buoyant, memorable melody, it’s perfect for seniors’ exercise too.
Doesn’t it make you want to move from the very intro? Clap along, march your feet, try choreography that matches the lyrics—feel free to arrange it and have fun!
The Bride of SetoKoyanagi Rumiko
Seto no Hanayome is a perfect recommendation for recreational activities leading into spring.
Released in 1972 as Rumiko Koyanagi’s fourth single, it’s a classic filled with the delicate transience and beauty of Japan.
The lyrics portray the feelings of a bride-to-be and thoughts on starting a new life, sure to evoke fond memories for many older adults.
For those from the Chugoku and Shikoku regions in particular, it may feel especially poignant.
It’s also well-loved in recreation settings for exercises and parody sing-alongs.
Paired with scenery that lets you feel the spring even indoors, it will beautifully enhance your activities!
Always keep your dreamsHashi Yukio, Yoshinaga Sayuri
Itsudemo Yume wo is a classic Showa-era hit that’s also a staple duet song.
Sung by pop star Yukio Hashi and film actress Sayuri Yoshinaga, it was released as a duet in 1962.
A film of the same name, starring both Hashi and Yoshinaga, was produced based on the song and became a hit as well.
It even won the Japan Record Award at the end of that year—there’s hardly an older person who doesn’t know this tune.
Its gentle lyrics and vocals convey the message that it’s wonderful to keep dreaming no matter how old you are.
If you include karaoke in your recreational activities, this is the perfect song to duet and get everyone energized.
Recommended Songs for Nursing Home Recreation [Fun Exercise, Healing Songs] (11–20)
Look up at the stars in the nightSakamoto Kyu
“Ue o Muite Arukō (Look Up at the Stars at Night)” sung by Kyu Sakamoto is a song that warms the heart and makes you feel gentle.
When you want to calm your mood, sing it or listen and let it heal you! Although this song is famous as one sung by Kyu Sakamoto, it’s actually a cover.
Originally, it was the main theme within a musical of the same name first performed in 1960, reportedly sung by Motoyuki Ito and a group called Lirio Rhythm Airs.
It will surely sound nostalgic to seniors from Kyu Sakamoto’s generation! Beyond just listening, it’s also great as background music for yoga, tai chi, or slow exercises, so do consider adding this song to your routine.
Tango of the Red Ogre and the Blue OgreBito Isao
Do you know a uniquely charming children’s song that depicts a red ogre and a blue ogre breaking into a dance under the moonlight? Sung by Isao Bito, the track was released as a single in January 1978 and aired on NHK’s “Minna no Uta.” Set to a tango rhythm, it paints a lively scene of ogres living deep in the mountains joyfully dancing.
Though ogres are often seen as scary, in this piece they’re comical and full of charm.
Its upbeat, catchy melody will make you want to sway along.
Isao Bito, known for his career as a rockabilly singer and for opening for The Beatles during their 1966 Japan tour, brings a crisp, dynamic vocal that amplifies the song’s fun.
It’s perfect for the Setsubun season—why not clap along and sing it together with everyone?
Like the flow of a riverMisora Hibari
A signature song by Hibari Misora that likens life to the flow of a river and celebrates the importance of living by gently going with the current.
It conveys hope that even on rain-soaked roads, a sunny day will eventually come, and it depicts a heart that accepts the changing seasons, resonating quietly with listeners.
The anecdote that lyricist Yasushi Akimoto wrote it while gazing at the East River in New York is also memorable.
Released as a single in January 1989, it became Hibari Misora’s final work.
It won the Gold Prize at that year’s Japan Record Awards and sold over two million copies.
Its flowing, beautiful melody and profound lyrics are likely to touch the hearts of older listeners who have experienced many stages of life.
In February, as winter gives way to spring, why not hum along?
red dragonfly
Listening to songs like nursery rhymes and traditional school songs that evoke memories of the past is called reminiscence therapy and is effective for preventing dementia.
Also, actually singing out loud activates the prefrontal cortex and is said to help improve memory.
“Red Dragonfly” (Akatombo) is a nursery rhyme that continues to be loved across generations, from children to adults.
Its nostalgic lyrics conjure up images of red dragonflies darting across the evening sky.
In addition to listening to or singing the song, it’s also fun to make a quiz by leaving blanks in parts of the lyrics and having people fill them in—highly recommended for getting everyone involved.