[For Seniors] Recommended Songs for Care Activities and Events! Crowd-Pleasers That Bring Joy
Many nursing homes and day service centers incorporate music appreciation, don’t they?
Listening to music is a form of entertainment anyone can enjoy.
Older adults likely have songs that have stayed with them throughout their lives.
So this time, we’ll introduce songs that seniors will love.
We’ve gathered many songs that can make seniors feel nostalgic or uplifted.
They’re perfect for playing at recreational activities and events, too.
Even seniors who find it difficult to go out may feel refreshed by listening to seasonal songs.
Nostalgic tunes can also stimulate the brain by prompting the recall of memories.
We hope you’ll make the most of this article.
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- [Recommended for people in their 70s] Songs that really move you. Beloved classic Japanese hits of the past.
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- Also great for dementia care! Recommended dance songs for people in their 70s: Let’s dance to those classic hits
- [For Seniors] A heartwarming round song. Let’s layer our voices with this nostalgic classic.
[For Seniors] Recommended for Care Activities and Events! Crowd-Pleasing, Well-Loved Songs (31–40)
Ozasiki Song

It was sung in 1964 by Hiroshi Wada and the Mahina Stars along with Kazuko Matsuo.
While the Tokyo Olympics likely helped, the economy at the time was far from strong, yet the song became a massive hit with total sales of 2.5 million copies, setting a new record for record sales back then.
Thanks to its musical style, it also became wildly popular at drinking parties across the country: people would sing just the first verse, then others around them would join in with humorous parody verses and enjoy themselves.
It’s said that it can be even more enjoyable at senior care facilities’ recreational events if, in addition to singing the original lyrics, participants share parody versions they know.
What a nice bath.Za Dorifutāzu

Let’s try some exercises to a catchy tune from The Drifters! We’re introducing “Ii Yu Da Na.” When you hear “Ii Yu Da Na,” you can’t help but hum along—especially when you’re soaking in a hot spring or bathtub, right? This time, we’ll relieve stress with an “Ii Yu Da Na” exercise routine that’s great whether you’re seated in a chair or standing.
The key is the choreography that makes you want to smile as you move your hands to the rhythm.
It’s something you can approach with a calm, relaxed feeling!
I just can’t stopYamamoto Rinda

Let me introduce “Dounimo Tomaranai,” a famous song by Linda Yamamoto, a Japanese singer who also shines as a TV personality.
Linda Yamamoto is known for her hit songs paired with sexy, dynamic dance moves.
She has performed many classic numbers, but this time, let’s get our bodies moving to “Dounimo Tomaranai.” The key is to dance as if you’re fluttering like a butterfly or blooming like a flower! It’s a full-body workout that not only moves your body but also stimulates your brain, leaving you feeling refreshed.
The Bride SambaGō Hiromi

Let’s dance to some nostalgic tunes and relive those days! Today’s pick is “Oyome Samba.” Many of you probably feel your spirits lift when you hear Hiromi Go’s sweet, unmistakable voice.
This time, let’s shake it out to “Oyome Samba” and blow off some steam.
Moving your body boosts blood flow to the brain and releases neurotransmitters, which can help relieve stress.
It’ll lift your mood and leave you feeling refreshed! Give it a try and work it into your routine.
Traveler of the NorthIshihara Yūjirō
Yujiro Ishihara’s “Kita no Tabibito” (Traveler of the North) is a deeply moving masterpiece that portrays the cold and solitude of the northern regions.
The red light on the cape, the fog of Hakodate, and the snowy scenery of Otaru are beautifully sung.
You can feel the protagonist’s poignant feelings as he longs for a lost love.
Released in 1987, this song became Ishihara’s final work.
It was a massive hit, selling 1.25 million copies and reaching No.
1 on the Oricon chart.
Its wistful vocals evoke the end of the Showa era, which is part of its charm.
It’s likely to stir nostalgia among older listeners as well.
It’s also nice to sing it together and enjoy reminiscing about the past.
[For Seniors] Recommended for care-home activities and events! Crowd-pleasing songs (41–50)
There’s always tomorrowSakamoto Kyu

This song conveys a positive message about moving forward with an upbeat, cheerful melody, and Kyu Sakamoto’s warm vocals make a strong impression.
Even when things don’t go well, it celebrates the strength to never give up, sung with a refreshing voice full of energy.
Released as a single in December 1963, it was also used as the theme song for a Nippon TV variety show.
At the time of its release, it sold over 800,000 copies and has continued to be loved across generations, later even appearing in Kyoiku Shuppan’s music textbooks.
This work is recommended for older listeners who wish to spend a heartwarming moment wrapped in nostalgia.
It would be wonderful to hum along, immersed in memories, while being enveloped by Kyu Sakamoto’s gentle singing voice.
Kiyoshi’s Soran BushiHikawa Kiyoshi

A masterpiece that resounds with a superb arrangement of a traditional Hokkaido folk song.
Set to the powerful rhythms once passed down by fishermen, it weaves in the joys and hopes of life.
Kiyoshi Hikawa’s robust vocals blend perfectly with the modern arrangement.
Released as a single in May 2007, it reached No.
3 on the Oricon charts and won the Gold Award at the 49th Japan Record Awards.
It was performed as the “YOSAKOI Soran Kouhaku Special” at the 58th NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen, captivating audiences with a dazzling stage.
Ideal for group singing, this song is highly recommended for recreation at day-service centers.
With lively call-and-response, everyone can enjoy a fun time together.




