For seniors in their 80s: Stay healthy while having fun. Introducing dance songs that make you want to move!
Even in your 80s, you might want to stay active and keep your body moving! Perhaps some of you feel that way.
As we get older, our bodies don’t always move the way we want them to, but that doesn’t mean we want to give up.
In this article, we’ll introduce dance songs recommended for people in their 80s.
We’ve selected songs—like popular enka and folk tunes, as well as disco tracks—that people in their 80s will likely know and that will naturally get you moving.
Pick your favorites and give your body a gentle workout.
Start by loosening up slowly, and dance at your own pace while having fun!
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For Seniors in Their 80s: Stay Healthy and Have Fun. Introducing Dance Songs That Will Make You Want to Move (31–40)
I look up as I walkKyu Sakamoto
When it comes to Kyu Sakamoto’s signature songs, many people probably think of this one.
Released in September 1961, it not only became a massive hit across Japan but also gained popularity overseas.
In the United States in particular, it was known under the title “Sukiyaki” and reached No.
1 on the Billboard chart—the first Japanese song ever to achieve this feat.
Its bright, upbeat melody and hopeful lyrics resonate deeply.
It’s also great for enjoying some gentle exercise while humming along with older adults.
Why not spend a pleasant moment filled with fond memories?
Black Cat TangoOsamu Minagawa
When it comes to Osamu Minagawa’s songs, many people probably think of that charming children’s tune featuring a black cat as the main character.
Released in October 1969, the song reached number one on the Oricon charts.
At just six years old, Minagawa became the youngest artist to achieve a million-seller.
With its catchy melody and lyrics, it’s a perfect track to hum along to with seniors and use as background music for exercise.
Zundoko-bushi
If you’re looking to get your body moving just the right amount, I recommend the Zundoko-bushi dance.
You’ll do squats, shake your hips, and stretch your body.
Since you dance with a towel, you’ll get a decent workout, too.
Zundoko-bushi naturally makes you want to add call-and-response shouts, and there are plenty of movement variations, so you can have a lot of fun with just one song!
Hip hop
When you hear “hip-hop,” do you think it’s just for young people? Not at all.
Let’s hop on the rhythm and dance for fun.
Getting everyone together to shout “Yeah!” and dance with high energy can be a great way to shake off your shyness and have a great time.
It’s a dance that gets more and more fun as you go.
Highly recommended if you want to feel as hyped as the younger crowd!
folk dance
If you’ve ever done folk dancing before, now’s the perfect time to try it again with everyone! Clap your hands, join hands, and have fun dancing.
I’m sure it will bring back memories from those days.
The music can be pretty up-tempo too, so it might be a good workout.
How about we all get together and dance, have some fun, and make a bit of noise?
For Seniors in Their 80s: Enjoyable, Healthy Living. Introducing Dance Songs That Make You Want to Move (41–50)
Ladybug SambaCherish
Included in Spring Romance, this song was a major hit in 1973.
Sung by the husband-and-wife duo Cherish, it features a light, samba-inspired rhythm.
The lyrics depict a celebration of a wedding in the forest.
After it was aired on ABC Radio, it received a flood of requests and was released as a single.
It became popular as a wedding song and even appeared on the NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
Listening to it with older folks might spark lively reminiscences.
It would also be lovely to listen to the sound of insects while looking for ladybugs.
Blue MountainsIchiro Fujiyama
A classic Showa-era song sung by Ichiro Fujiyama and Mitsue Nara.
Released in 1949 as the theme song for a film of the same name, it has continued to be loved by people of all ages for many years, even being ranked No.
1 in NHK’s “200 Showa Songs That Stay in the Heart.” Set against the majestic backdrop of the Blue Mountains, the lyrics resonate with themes of youth, hope, and the resolve to set out on a new journey.
It’s also interesting that Ryoichi Hattori is said to have conceived the melody on a train bound for Kyoto.
For many older listeners, this piece evokes fond memories, and when everyone raises their voices together to sing it, you’re sure to have a wonderful time.
In conclusion
There’s that kind of fun music that gets your body moving the moment you hear it.
In this article, we’ve gathered dance songs recommended for people in their 80s.
From tunes that accompanied your youth to tracks you danced to at the disco, chances are you’ve heard many of them before.
Moving your body in an enjoyable way helps relieve stress and is a first step toward a healthy daily life.
Give it a try!