[For Seniors] Have Fun with Recreation! Origami Ideas
Origami, which is incorporated into recreational activities at care facilities.
Origami seems familiar to many older adults, as they often folded paper when they were young and it was a common pastime.
Because you can fold while chatting with other seniors, it also helps promote communication!
So this time, we’ll introduce origami that’s perfect for recreation activities for older adults.
Using your fingertips and thinking about what shape it will become when finished also serves as brain training.
Please make good use of these origami ideas in your recreational programs!
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[For Seniors] Have Fun with Recreation! Origami Ideas (91–100)
Origami Tangram
Seven pieces in total! Here are some origami tangram ideas.
Let’s make and play with colorful, pop-looking tangrams.
A tangram is a puzzle where you use seven pieces that divide a square to create various shapes.
This time, let’s make one with origami.
You’ll need seven 15 cm square sheets of origami paper and four 7.5 cm square sheets.
We provide clear, careful instructions for folding each part, so follow along and give it a try.
Origami Tetris
Three-dimensional and fun! Here’s an idea for origami Tetris.
Many of you have probably played Tetris on a computer or game console, right? This time, let’s make tetrominoes—just like they jumped out of the game world—using origami.
All you need is origami paper and scissors or a craft knife.
You’ll divide a 15 cm square sheet into four parts to make them, so this is a perfect idea for those who are good with detailed work.
Let’s make some tetrominoes and play!
[For Seniors] Have Fun with Recreation! Origami Ideas (101–110)
Four kinds of spring origami
As spring-themed origami that are friendly and approachable for seniors, we’d like to introduce four types: clover, strawberry, tulip, and butterfly.
Each features a spring-like motif with bright colors and charming shapes that will warm the heart.
They’re all easy to fold, and simply changing the color of the paper can give each piece a different expression.
Moving the fingers naturally provides a bit of rehabilitation, and once finished, you can attach them to wall decorations or message cards to create seasonal pieces.
Enjoy a fun crafting time that lets you feel the spring while keeping your hands active.
rapeseed blossoms
If you make one of spring’s representative flowers, the rapeseed blossom (nanohana), with origami, you can enjoy a spring atmosphere indoors.
By folding the small yellow petals and combining them with green leaves, you’ll have a cute, three-dimensional nanohana.
The steps are simple, making it easy for older adults to try, and it’s also effective for finger dexterity and improving concentration.
We recommend displaying the finished nanohana on a wall or exhibiting it as a spring craft.
Why not enjoy a fun crafting time while feeling the season?
Rabbit’s Easter egg
Easter is a festival that celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ, and it is set on a Sunday between late March and April each year.
Eggs and rabbits, regarded as symbols of rebirth and prosperity, are known as Easter symbols.
This time, we’ll introduce an origami Easter bunny.
After folding an Easter bunny with your favorite color or pattern of origami paper, use a pen or colored pencils to draw the eyes and mouth.
You can give it personality depending on the kind of face you choose.
By the way, each egg color has its own meaning, so how about turning it into a quiz as you work?
Three-dimensional dandelion
The dandelion, which blooms with vivid yellow flowers, is a familiar flower even to older adults.
Some people may have made flower crowns with dandelions.
In this article, we introduce dandelion-themed ideas that represent spring.
Cut yellow origami paper into one-quarter width strips lengthwise.
Fold it so it becomes long and narrow, then glue two pieces together and make many small slits.
Be careful not to cut all the way through! Roll it up tightly from one end and secure it with glue to complete the flower.
Make a stem and leaves, and decorate a frame to finish.
It’s a gentle craft that lets you feel the arrival of spring.
randoseru (Japanese elementary school backpack)
April brings to mind school entrance ceremonies and the sight of cheerful first graders heading to school with shiny new randoseru backpacks.
While red and black used to be the standard colors, these days randoseru come in a wide variety of hues.
For an April origami activity, why not fold a randoseru in your favorite color? Divide one sheet of origami paper into thirds vertically, and proceed to fold each section.
Drawing lines along the crease marks makes it easier to follow.
With some finer steps involved, this project helps build concentration and can be effective for dementia prevention.
It would also make a delightful gift for your grandchild.