[For Seniors] Recommended Handmade Activities! Simple Ideas
Many day-service and care facilities hold recreational activities that involve crafts and other handmade projects.
Here are some handmade recreation ideas that are perfect for seniors.
Handicrafts stimulate the brain by engaging the fingertips through creative activities, making them effective for dementia prevention as well.
This time, we’ll introduce a few easy, beginner-friendly DIY ideas.
You can use everyday items or materials from 100-yen shops—no problem!
Give them a try casually and add more enjoyment to everyday life.
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[For Seniors] Recommended Handmade Activities! Simple Ideas (1–10)
Vertical spring pouchNEW!
A long, vertical spring pouch that pops open with one hand—its easy, breezy convenience is the charm.
The slim shape makes it handy not only as a glasses case but also as a pen case.
It’s surprisingly practical for a method that requires no sewing, making it an easy project to try.
Because it can be made with scrap-sized fabric, it’s perfect for using leftover material or upcycling a cherished garment.
Use clothes your child has outgrown to create a one-of-a-kind original case.
It struck me as a gentle DIY idea that could also boost motivation for the new school term.
flower ball
As one of the craft activities for seniors that uses familiar natural materials, here is how to make an adorable “flower ball” from pinecones.
This craft stimulates the brain through finger movements and can help prevent cognitive decline.
Pinecones are easy to obtain and familiar to many older adults, which can also spark conversations about past memories.
The flower ball is simple and safe to make, though care is needed when using a hot glue gun.
The finished flower ball can be enjoyed as a wall decoration or a hanging ornament.
It’s also lovely to make them together with seniors while reminiscing and sharing stories.
Fun to make and play with: Kendama!
Many of you probably played with a kendama when you were children.
It’s an item loved by people of all ages.
Let’s make a handmade version of a kendama using a pinecone.
You’ll need a pinecone, twine, a paper cup, and a toilet paper roll, among other things.
Threading the twine through the pinecone is a delicate task, so it can help with fine motor rehabilitation.
The handle part is easy—just tape paper cups together.
It might also be fun to decorate it in your own cute style.
[For Seniors] Recommended Handmade Activities! Simple Ideas (11–20)
Number Exercise
Here’s a fun number exercise where you get to learn movements, too.
For 1, touch your head with both hands.
For 2, cross your hands in front of your chest.
For 3, clap your hands and move your body.
The moves and rules are simple, but since you have to think, you might get a little confused at first.
Until you get used to it, say the numbers clearly and keep a slow rhythm.
Once it becomes familiar, try adding combinations where you call out two numbers, or speed up the rhythm for a challenge.
Let’s make it something you can enjoy while you practice.
towel rabbit
The towel bunny has a fluffy feel, just like a stuffed animal.
Its design is so clever that it might look difficult, but it’s actually easy to make by hand.
All you need are items you can find at a 100-yen shop, like a towel, rubber bands, tape, and colored paper.
The key to a good finish is shaping the bunny’s form with the towel.
Since you use your fingers during this step, it can also help with rehabilitation for older adults.
Once you’ve created the shape, all that’s left is to decorate it cutely.
Have fun making it together!
kimekomi patchwork
Using a kit makes it easy to create patchwork projects.
Insert fabric pieces cut to shape into a die-cut foam board.
You can achieve a patchwork-like look without sewing the fabric.
It’s a project that even older adults with little sewing experience may find approachable.
The finished piece can be hung on a wall, so it’s nice to take it home and display it.
There are many types of kits available, and creating seasonally themed pieces can also help older adults feel the seasons through the crafting process.
Accessory storage basket
Having a small storage basket at home is perfect for your room’s interior, isn’t it? Believe it or not, you can make a small storage basket with just one sheet of colored construction paper.
Cutting and connecting the paper takes a bit of delicate work, but it’s also great as rehabilitation for seniors, so it’s recommended.
The woven pattern looks stylish—just like a real basket.
You can change the color of the paper, so you can customize it freely.
It’s great for use at home, and it would also make a delightful gift for someone special.
Its compact size is adorable and sure to come in handy.