For Seniors: Fun Entertainment That Excites at Nursing Homes
Throughout the year, senior care facilities hold a variety of events such as cherry-blossom viewing parties, summer festivals, Respect for the Aged Day celebrations, and Christmas parties.
Staff members may find themselves wondering each year what kind of entertainment will delight the residents.
So this time, we’d like to introduce recommended entertainment ideas that seniors will enjoy!
To make sure seniors have fun, we’ve included a wide range of ideas—from period dramas and magic to singing and dancing.
Please use these suggestions as a reference and adapt them creatively to fit your event.
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[For Seniors] Liven Up the Nursing Home! Fun Entertainment (11–20)
Hige Dance
The Hige Dance, performed in the comedy skits of the TV show “It’s 8 o’clock! Everybody Gather!” Many older adults will be familiar with the dance featuring the unique back-and-forth between Cha Kato and Ken Shimura.
Another key point is that it can be staged simply by wearing black-and-white outfits and adding a mustache.
Then, try various tricks in time with the lively beat.
Along with that instantly recognizable BGM, be sure to cue the audience of older adults with handclaps.
Why not incorporate this visually and aurally entertaining, humorous dance into performances at senior care facilities?
Karaoke Contest
When today’s seniors were in their youth, karaoke boxes like the ones we have now probably didn’t exist yet.
If people wanted to sing together, it was mostly at so-called sing-along cafés or using the “8-track” karaoke machines in snack bars.
Because of that, some people may have never sung in front of others.
For those who aren’t comfortable singing, having them clap along lets everyone enjoy themselves.
Forming groups to sing children’s songs and the like could also be nice.
Raising your voice is said to be good for your health, so it’s truly killing two birds with one stone.
play (theatrical performance)
When it comes to entertainment that seniors can enjoy while seated and at a relaxed pace, plays are an excellent choice.
From classic folk tales passed down through generations to moving, full-scale musicals, there’s a wide range to enjoy.
For events celebrating seniors’ longevity, such as Respect-for-the-Aged gatherings, it’s best to choose stories filled with dreams and hope.
Paying attention to costumes and hairstyles is also recommended to create a richer, more immersive world.
Try offering a lively performance that includes not only dialogue but also songs and dance.
doppelgänger doll
This act involves lining up dolls next to yourself and connecting body parts with rods so that the performer and the dolls move in exactly the same way.
Motofuyuki Moto from the comedy group Busy Four showcased it on an impressionist TV show, and it became a staple performance piece.
Because the body is linked by rods, the movements are inevitably restricted, resulting in a clumsy, comical dance—that’s part of the fun.
To emphasize the humorous mood, it’s recommended to choose lively, upbeat music.
It’s a captivating act in many ways: it can make a small group look like a large one, and the contrast between the performer and the doll adds to the appeal.
rakugo (traditional Japanese comic storytelling)
Rakugo, a traditional Japanese performing art, is a staple for entertainment and side shows, and perhaps it’s precisely because it has been loved for so long that people can enjoy it casually.
With so-called classical rakugo, the storyline is set, so it’s relatively easy to practice.
Since each piece is designed to make the audience laugh through movement and words, it might be interesting to try an original rakugo that doesn’t stick too rigidly to tradition and incorporates relatable, in-the-moment topics.
To make it feel friendly and enjoyable to watch, keeping a light, lively speaking style may be a key point.
two-person robe (Nininbaori): a comedic act where two people share one kimono-like garment, with the rear person acting as the arms for the front person
It’s a performance where two people wear a large haori together, and the person in the back controls the hands for the person in front.
Naturally, the person in the back can’t see what’s ahead, so they can’t move the hands to the intended positions—this is the fun part of the act.
What you choose to do while in the two-person haori position is important; imagine what might happen if the movements go wrong and plan the routine accordingly.
Putting on makeup or bringing food to the mouth are crowd-pleasers and highly recommended.
[For Seniors] Liven Up the Nursing Home! Fun Entertainment (21–30)
Handbell performance
A handbell that makes sound by shaking the bell in your hand.
It’s a perfect idea for those planning a group performance.
Because it doesn’t require complex playing like guitar or piano, even beginners can take part with confidence.
Many older adults will likely find the warm, gentle tone of the bells soothing as well.
Another plus is that by ringing each note in sequence, everyone gets a chance in the spotlight.
Why not deliver heartwarming music at a relaxed tempo?