[For Seniors] Fun and Engaging Recreational Activities in Nursing Homes

Number Exercise

Senior activity! Number exercises #dayservice #caregiving #recreation

Here’s a fun number exercise where you get to learn movements, too.

For 1, touch your head with both hands.

For 2, cross your hands in front of your chest.

For 3, clap your hands and move your body.

The moves and rules are simple, but since you have to think, you might get a little confused at first.

Until you get used to it, say the numbers clearly and keep a slow rhythm.

Once it becomes familiar, try adding combinations where you call out two numbers, or speed up the rhythm for a challenge.

Let’s make it something you can enjoy while you practice.

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mayumi

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Slow aerobics to the tune of “Alps Ichiman-jaku”

Let's try slow aerobics! ~Alps Ichiman-jaku, chair version~

As people age, many find it bothersome to move their bodies.

Let’s get moving with slow aerobics that can be done while seated in a chair.

As the name suggests, slow aerobics involves gently moving your body to music.

It’s said to help raise heart rate and encourage breathing even for older adults who don’t have many opportunities to exercise.

It’s recommended to do rhythmic exercises to familiar songs—like “Alps Ichiman-jaku”—that many seniors know well.

Moving to music can also help bring out a sense of fun in older adults.

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Nakajima Junko

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A game where you take balloons out of a basket

#day-service-recreation #home-visit-care #day-service #ichikawa-city #fun-workplace #want-to-connect-with-caregivers #nursing-care #gyotoku-care #care-manager #gyotoku #ainet #challenger #summer-festival

Let’s work together as a team! Here’s a game idea where you take balloons out of a basket.

Summer often brings to mind uchiwa fans, right? This time, let’s try a unique game that uses uchiwa to lift balloons out of a basket.

You’ll need a stand or table, a deep basket, balloons, and one uchiwa per participant.

Place the basket filled with balloons on the table, and have participants sit around it.

When the signal is given, everyone chants together, “Wasshoi, wasshoi,” while fanning with their uchiwa to get the balloons out of the basket.

It could be even more fun to split into two teams and compete against each other!

Rhythmic gymnastics at Blue Light Yokohama

Seated singing exercise: “Showa Kayō Blue Light Yokohama” – rhythm exercises for seniors and older adults #seniors #exercise

Released in 1968, “Blue Light Yokohama” is one of the signature songs of the Showa era.

Many older adults have likely sung it at karaoke or heard it on TV or the radio.

Let’s try some rhythmic exercises with this familiar tune.

Since the song portrays a couple in love, it could be fun to incorporate movements that match the lyrics.

Older adults might feel nostalgic, recalling the time when this song was popular as they exercise.

You could even sing along while doing the exercises.

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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!

Slow aerobics to When the Saints Go Marching In

Let's Try Slow Aerobics! ~When the Saints Go Marching In~

Aerobics—moving your body to music—can feel difficult for people who have trouble with movement.

This exercise adapts aerobics by slowing the tempo and using gentler motions, making it accessible for anyone.

Find a calmer rhythm than the original song and move your body as if buoyantly engaging your whole body.

Rather than trying to keep up with the music, it’s more important to use your entire body, so it may be best to proceed at a rhythm that suits the participants.

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kappamaki

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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.