Lovely senior life

[For Seniors] Simple and Fun: Craft Ideas You Can Make with Everyday Items

Social worker / Care workermoko
My name is Moko, a mother of three who admired my mother and worked in the care industry as a care worker and as a medical social worker (MSW) in a hospital. I will be drawing on my previous experience to write mainly about caregiving. Thank you in advance.
Worked as a certified care worker for 17 years.Nanaka
I’ve been working as a certified care worker for 17 years. I’m Nanaka, a caregiving web writer. I decided to pursue this profession because I wanted a job that would help people. Having worked in day care for many years, I’ve experienced a wide variety of recreational activities. Exercise set to music, in particular, always created a cheerful atmosphere and was very well received. I’d be delighted to continue delivering writing that resonates with readers through caregiving-related articles. Thank you for your support.

What we introduce here are easy craft ideas for older adults.

They’re all easy to incorporate into recreational activities at senior facilities such as day service centers.

Using familiar, everyday materials, these crafts are simple to make, making it easy for seniors to give them a try.

We hope you’ll use craft-making to help stimulate both mind and body.

Since it involves using the hands, it also serves as brain training and can help prevent dementia.

Be sure to read this article and use it as a reference for craft activities.

[For Seniors] Simple and Fun: Craft Ideas You Can Make with Everyday Items (131–140)

Moving fan

Summer Vacation Free Craft: A Working Fan You Can Make with Paper Cups! Great for Upper-Grade Students Too

Moving fan

Hands are said to be a “second brain” because they are equipped with various sensors.

Stimuli gained by using the fingertips are transmitted to the brain, and research suggests that increased blood flow and activation in the brain can help prevent cognitive decline.

With that in mind, here is a craft idea that uses the fingers: a “moving fan.” First, cut part of a paper cup to make the propeller and the body.

Poke a hole in a plastic bottle cap, and fasten it using a toothpick, a rubber band, and some beads.

Attach it to the body, then twist the toothpick connected to the rubber band—the elasticity will make the propeller spin, completing your fan.

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hat

[100-Yen Store DIY] A Hat Made from Paper Cups

hat

Fingerwork can be great brain training, but what matters is what you do, right? So this time, here’s a stylish hat idea you can make with an easy-to-find paper cup.

All you need is, of course, a paper cup.

First, cut off the rim with scissors, then mark two points on the cup.

Cut a long, thin slit up to the back mark, and crease diagonally starting from the front mark.

Fold the paper as if weaving it alternately, and you’ll get a pattern like a straw hat.

Wrap a ribbon around it and secure it with glue, and you’re done.

It looks lovely as a decoration or perched on a doll.

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string telephone

[Craft Play 063] How to Make a Paper Cup String Telephone – Includes a Way for Three People to Play

string telephone

In today’s world, where portable electronic devices like smartphones are the norm, it feels like opportunities to play with analog tools have greatly decreased.

So this time, I’d like to introduce an idea for a string telephone made with paper cups.

All you need are paper cups, twine, and beads.

Make a small hole in the bottom of each paper cup, thread the twine through, and secure it with a bead.

Do the same on the other cup; then hold the cups so the string is taut, and try speaking into one of them.

You’ll experience the curious phenomenon of your voice turning into vibrations that travel along the string and can be heard from the cup on the other end.

It’s easy to make, so your grandchildren might be delighted if you give it to them as a gift.

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pen holder

[Made from Fabric Scraps] How to Make a Fabric Pen Holder (Vertical Organizer) – How to Make the Box

pen holder

A soft, fabric-made vibe! Here are some pencil holder ideas.

When you think of pencil holders, many people probably picture metal, wood, or plastic ones.

This time, let’s use fabric scraps to make a pencil holder that feels warm to the touch and looks cozy too.

You’ll need four 18 cm square fabric scraps, fusible interfacing, and a few other basics.

It’s perfect for those who “can’t throw away a sentimental pattern” or “want to make something useful for everyday life.” Give it a try!

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Daruma-otoshi

I tried making a daruma otoshi with plastic bottle caps. #DIY #shorts #handmadeToys

Daruma-otoshi

Here’s a craft project that brings out both nostalgia and playfulness: a DIY version of Daruma Otoshi.

Cut colored tape to fit the size of bottle caps and stick it onto three caps.

Stack two of them and freely draw the Daruma’s face and body.

Use the remaining cap as the base, and play by knocking the stacked parts down.

Because it uses few tools and can be completed quickly, it’s recommended even for seniors who aren’t used to crafts.

There are many steps that involve fine motor movements, like drawing and choosing colors, making it helpful for hand rehabilitation.

The finished pieces look adorable just lined up for display, and one of the charms is the warm, handmade feel.

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Sunflower magnet

Summer vacation craft: Sunflower magnets with origami and plastic bottle caps 🌻 #SummerVacationCraft #Origami #Craft

Sunflower magnet

Let me introduce a sunflower magnet you can make with origami paper and a plastic bottle cap.

First, prepare yellow, green, and brown origami paper.

Fold the yellow and green paper while marking guidelines, then cut them into flower and leaf shapes with scissors and shape them neatly.

When assembling the flower, layer the petals slightly offset so they don’t overlap directly—that makes it look nicer.

Cut the brown paper into a circle, then glue it on while checking the placement with the leaves to form the sunflower.

Glue a magnet to a plastic bottle cap, then attach it to the back of the sunflower to finish.

If you make a bunch and display them, they’ll transform the feel of your room.

Give it a try!

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Calendar

Easy! DIY Blackboard Calendar Made with Bottle Caps! [CAINZ DIY STYLE]

Here’s a handmade calendar you can create using a corkboard and plastic bottle caps.

Prepare a corkboard and protect the wooden frame around it with masking tape.

Spray it with black paint, then remove the masking tape and push pins into the board at even intervals.

Gather 31 plastic bottle caps and write the numbers 1 through 31 on them.

Use a pen to label the month and days of the week on the corkboard, then hang the bottle caps on the pins.

By swapping the caps, you can use it as a monthly calendar, and it also serves as ongoing fine motor exercise.

Give it a try!

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