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] (41–50)
Brain-training exercises with nursery rhymes
“Nursery Rhyme Brain-Training Exercises” are a delightful recreation activity perfect for seniors.
Moving the body to nostalgic songs naturally brings smiles.
Singing while recalling the old days warms the heart.
By moving the hands and feet, it also helps tune up the body.
When everyone sings and dances together, conversations flow and you can enjoy a fun time.
It’s said to be good for dementia prevention, too.
If you choose songs that match the preferences of the seniors, they’ll enjoy it even more.
The key is to go slowly at a comfortable, unforced pace.
It’s a wonderful exercise that can invigorate both mind and body.
Challenge in antiphonal singing
“Taking on Alternating Singing” is a delightful singing activity that energizes the brain while having fun.
By singing different songs in alternation, you can stimulate your mind and feel refreshed.
It may feel a bit challenging for older adults, but new lyrics and changing rhythms can also help prevent cognitive decline.
Plus, the act of singing is soothing for the heart, which is a lovely bonus.
The balance of difficulty and enjoyment is just right, and when everyone sings together, communication naturally deepens.
It creates a wonderful time filled with smiles among older adults.
Give it a try!
Recommended Songs for Nursing Home Recreation [Fun Exercise, Healing Songs] (51–60)
Rhythmic exercises to a children’s song
It’s a wonderful exercise that lets seniors move their bodies to familiar nursery songs! In particular, “Antagata Dokosa” is a tune everyone can enjoy moving to while singing together.
The key point is to lift your foot on the “sa,” and moving your body to the rhythm may also help prevent dementia.
It’s perfect for morning exercise and lets you start the day feeling great.
Nursery songs evoke a sense of nostalgia, making them easy for seniors to embrace.
If everyone sings and dances together, smiles will come naturally.
It sounds like a lovely time that can energize both mind and body.
dogwood (flowering dogwood)Hitoto Yo
Hanamizuki is a heartwarming song released by Yo Hitoto in 2004.
Its gentle vocals and calm melody evoke the warmth of spring.
The lyrics, filled with love for a cherished person and a wish for peace, resonate with older adults.
It’s the perfect piece for moments when you seek comfort in daily life or when you’re remembering someone special.
You can quietly listen to it, or enjoy humming along together.
How about listening to it with older adults while reminiscing and sharing stories?
Apple SongNamiki Michiko
“Ringo no Uta” (The Apple Song) is a charming piece, featuring Michiko Namiki’s gentle singing voice and heartwarming lyrics.
Symbolizing hope in the postwar era, this song is likely familiar to many older adults as well.
Its depiction of the tenderness imbued in apples and the small joys of everyday life is soothing to the heart.
The relaxed melody also makes it ideal as background music for calisthenics or light exercise.
Everyone can hum along and enjoy moving together.
It’s perfect for a calm recreation time, bringing a warm feeling along with a touch of nostalgia.
Sorry, please forgive me.Kasuga Hachirō
Kasuga Hachiro’s “Gomen yo Kanben na” is an appealing song, featuring a voice that resonates deeply and lyrics filled with profound affection.
Released in 1957, it remains one of Kasuga’s signature works and is still loved by many.
While regretting a past inability to be honest, the lyrics convey heartfelt feelings for the other person and will surely touch listeners.
For older audiences, it may be a piece that evokes fond memories and the subtleties of life.
It’s best enjoyed at a leisurely pace in a calm atmosphere.
Second-son crowShirane Kazuo
Kazuo Shirane’s “Jinanbō Karasu” is a richly emotive song that evokes the subtleties and transience of life.
Its vividly drawn scenes seem to let the atmosphere of a glamorous era flow right through, which is truly captivating.
Released in 1955, it is also well known as the theme song for the film “Jinanbō Karasu” starring Raizo Ichikawa.
It was a hit that marked a major turning point in Shirane’s career.
His poignant yet powerful vocals, which echo the film’s worldview, resonate deeply.
For older listeners, it’s a song that brings back youthful days along with fond memories.
It’s perfect for recreation time—everyone can sing along and share stories together.