[For Seniors] Fun Activities That Liven Up Cool Evening Festivals and Summer Festivals

Zunpa Ondo: Calisthenics for Seniors

[Senior Exercise] Summer Festival Bon Odori Exercise Dance Compilation Video ① #elderly_care #dance #exercise #exercise_dance #aging_issue #health #stretching #physical_therapist #workout

When it comes to the most famous Bon Odori song… that’s right, “Tokyo Ondo.” Well, it might depend on the person.

You also hear it a lot as the Tokyo Yakult Swallows’ cheering song, so it’s common even outside the Obon season.

Another surprisingly fun one is “Zunpa Ondo.” It has a lot of repeated parts and fun clapping sections, so if you’re looking for a song that really draws in the whole venue, this is my top recommendation above all! Plenty of people have uploaded reference dance videos on video sites, so even those who aren’t confident about dancing can relax.

Give it a try!

Donpan Exercises

Yoko Kobayashi’s Donpan Exercise

Do you know the song where the word “Donpan” is repeated? It’s one of those tunes where, as soon as you hear the melody, you think, “Oh, that song!” It’s fairly well-known, but the composer and original source are unclear; some say it might be based on the “Donpan-bushi.” Using that Donpan melody to enjoy the “Donpan Taiso” could make for a fun performance.

Clap your hands, slap your thighs—make active use of any parts you can stamp or tap.

It’s an easy song to create your own choreography for, and highly recommended.

Gymnastics dance – gentle

Misorah Hibari “Yawara” Gymnastics Dance [Daycare Exercise] [Perfect for Summer Festivals]

June 24 is the anniversary of the death of the original Showa-era songstress, Hibari Misora.

It feels as if it were only yesterday that the entire nation wept when she passed away.

For many older adults, there’s likely a memorable Hibari song tied to their youth, working years, or middle age.

So how about showcasing some exercise or dance routines set to the classic “Yawara” as background music? Of course, it’s fine to use your own original choreography.

Just be sure to weave in some moves inspired by judo, as referenced in the lyrics of “Yawara,” at key points.

Since it’s a gentle, relaxed song, even those who aren’t confident with exercise or dance should be able to take part.

Zundoko Exercises

Zundoko Exercises

This is the “Zundoko Exercise,” performed to Kiyoshi Hikawa’s song “Kiyoshi no Zundoko-bushi.” Many older adults are probably fans of Kiyoshi Hikawa, right? In this exercise, you use items like towels and move your whole body.

The movements during the chorus are comical and sure to get people laughing.

It’s a fun way to get everyone energized when dancing together, so it’s recommended for summer festival events and as a summer recreation activity at senior facilities.

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Singing and exercise medley of summer children’s songs

Summer Children's Songs [Singing & Exercise Medley: 8 Picks] Full-Body Rhythm Exercises for Seniors That Can Be Done While Seated

As an indoor exercise activity, seated calisthenics are a classic choice.

Even while sitting, you can move your body well and refresh your mood, so give it a try and dance along.

You can use any music you like, but if you want something widely recognized that everyone can hum to, summer children’s songs are recommended.

There are plenty of summer-themed nursery songs such as “Kamome no Suiheisan” (Seagull Sailor), “Fujinoyama” (Mount Fuji), and “Ware wa Umi no Ko” (Child of the Sea), so pick some popular tunes.

Loosen up your body by spreading your arms and marching your feet to the rhythm!

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Showa Era Classic Song Rhythm Exercises

[Limited-time streaming until April 30, 2026] [Song Exercise Medley: 5 Selections] Showa-era classic rhythm exercises that seniors and older adults can do while seated

When it’s too hot to go outside, why not have fun moving your body indoors? What we’re introducing is rhythm exercises danced to classic Showa-era hits.

They’re basically done seated, so even those who find it difficult to dance standing can enjoy them.

Because many of the moves involve large upper-body motions, be sure to leave enough space between chairs when doing this with multiple people, such as in a facility activity.

Depending on the song, wearing a happi coat or dancing with a folding fan can help you enjoy the atmosphere of the music, so it’s recommended.

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Fireworks, swimming in the ocean, and the watermelon-splitting exercise

[Recommended for Summer] Fireworks, Swimming at the Beach, and Watermelon-Splitting Exercises! Also Recommended for Reminiscence Therapy

When you think of July, what comes to mind? Fireworks, swimming in the sea, watermelon-splitting—these may be some of the things that come to mind for older adults.

It’s said that recalling the past can help increase blood flow in the brain.

With that in mind, here’s an exercise routine that incorporates movements inspired by things associated with July.

Of course, it’s also fine to use movements based on July-related ideas provided by older participants themselves.

While doing the exercises, you can look back on childhood memories or summer episodes spent with family.

From there, conversations can naturally emerge, helping to promote communication as well.

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Nakajima Junko

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