For People in Their 90s: Dance Tracks and Exercise Songs That Make Moving Your Body Fun!

Tankō-bushi (Coal Miner's Song)folk song

Tanko Bushi – With Guide [Let’s All Dance! Bon Odori]

It is a folk song from the Chikuho region, cherished as a hallmark of summer in Japan.

Born in the Meiji era from songs sung by women during coal sorting at mines, it spread nationwide in the early Showa period through radio broadcasts.

Its familiar melody, depicting coal mine labor and everyday life, remains a staple for Bon Odori dances.

In August 2024, BEGIN released a new arrangement incorporating Brazilian samba rhythms, but the traditional choreography—characterized by movements that mimic mining work—makes it easy to dance together with older adults.

Since 2006, Tagawa City in Fukuoka Prefecture has hosted the Tanko-bushi Festival every summer, and the song continues to be passed down across generations.

Dancing HeroYoko Oginome

#1: Caregiving dance exercise that seniors can do while seated ♪ 4: Dancing Hero

Doesn’t the heart-thumping rhythm of Eurobeat bring back passionate memories for everyone? This is a track where Yoko Oginome’s captivating vocals blend seamlessly with a powerful dance beat.

Released in November 1985, the song goes beyond a simple dance number and has continued to be loved across generations.

It has also become a staple at Bon Odori festivals nationwide, spreading especially throughout Aichi and Gifu Prefectures.

When everyone dances in a circle, smiles naturally appear.

It’s a song well known among older adults too, making it perfect as a prompt to get moving.

You can enjoy it at your own pace while gently moving your body.

Why not enjoy a pleasant bit of exercise along with nostalgic memories?

Young manHideki Saijo

[Senior Exercise] Exercise Dance to Hideki Saijo’s “Y.M.C.A.” #caregiving #dance #exercise #exerciseDance #agingIssue #health #stretching #physicalTherapist #workout

This is a single released in February 1979, featuring an appealingly bright and positive message.

Its simple choreography, enjoyable for everyone, incorporates wrist movements that are effective for maintaining motor function.

The song spent nine consecutive weeks at No.

1 on TBS’s music program “The Best Ten,” and in 1980 it was selected as the entrance march for the 52nd National High School Baseball Invitational Tournament.

Widely loved as one of Hideki Saijo’s signature songs, it offers a wonderful opportunity to refresh both mind and body by moving along to a melody everyone knows.

It’s a work that becomes even more enjoyable when shared with friends.

Soran Bushi

[Preventive Care] Super Fun Exercise Singing & Dancing the Soran Bushi! (Brain Training/Easy/Funny)

Even the interjections of “hai-hai” that pop up mid-song make Soran Bushi fun.

Do you know which prefecture’s folk song it is? It actually originated in Hokkaido.

I’ve heard it began as a work song to synchronize movements during herring fishing.

It’s said to have four sections, such as “Boat-Rowing Ondo” and “Child-Drumming Ondo,” which makes it quite grand in scope.

In Hokkaido, some schools even dance Soran Bushi at their sports festivals, so it’s a perfect piece for exercise or dance! Try moving your body with choreography you create freely—whether in a Bon Odori style or an exercise style.

People of the Me-gumi (firefighters' brigade)RATS&STAR

[Wa-soul★Nostalgic Melodies Dance Diet] J-POP 80s “Megumi no Hito” / Rats & Star (Shanels) ♪ Easy 3 and a half minutes / Have fun singing and dancing to a Showa-era classic to burn fat 🔥 Beginner-friendly, anyone can do it

It was quite a shock when, at the height of their popularity, Chanels changed their name to Rats & Star.

These days, it’s not unusual for comedians to change their stage names and become more popular, but back then it felt groundbreaking.

Their memorable first single under the new name was Mekumi no Hito.

People today might be more familiar with Kumi Koda’s cover version.

As long as you can nail the signature pose—the “Me!”—you can pretty much move however you like.

It’s a high-energy track that makes you want to move your body while reminiscing about the old days.

Apple SongMichiko Namiki

FY2011 5th Local Calisthenics Contest, Grand Prize — Ikiiki Supporters Ina, “Ringo no Uta (Apple Song)”

Even a casual listener who’s like, “Music? Hmm, I guess it’s okay,” will definitely know this song.

And of course, there can’t be a single senior who hasn’t heard it.

Ringo no Uta, the very first postwar hit in Japan, is a curious song: though the melody carries a hint of sadness, listening to it somehow fills you with strength.

Hachiro Sato’s lyrics are wonderful, too.

Its slightly relaxed tempo makes it easy for dance beginners to move along.

Whether you dance standing or seated, it’s a perfect recommendation for all seniors!

Hibari Misora MedleyHibari Misora

Hibari Misora Greatest Hits [Care Recreation]: Chair Exercises That Seniors Will Absolutely Love! Recreation, Exercise, Rehabilitation, and Preventive Care to Enjoy at Facilities

Hibari Misora, the original diva who kept singing throughout the tumultuous Showa era.

What’s your favorite Hibari song? There’s no way to pick just one—from “Kanashiki Kuchibue” and “Tokyo Kid,” which supported the hearts of Japanese people after the war, to “Ringo Oiwake” and “Omatsuri Mambo,” which captivated the early days of television, her peak-era hits like “Yawara” and “Kanashii Sake,” and her late masterpiece “Kawa no Nagare no Yō ni.” So how about moving your body to a Hibari medley instead? Video sites even have clips that teach simple choreography.

I hope you can spend a delightful time along with your memories!