[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 (11–20)
crane
The origami crane is arguably the most iconic origami model! But if you haven’t made one in a while, it’s easy to forget the steps partway through.
After creasing both a cross and diagonals, fold into a triangle, then open both sides into a square base.
With the open end facing down, fold the left and right corners toward the center, then open up and squash into a diamond while spreading top and bottom.
Carefully shape the head and tail parts, and you’re done! Because you repeat steps of folding and opening, it’s surprisingly easy to lose track of the correct order even if you think you remember it.
Try tackling the classic crane while recalling how you learned it as a child.
Tonton Sumo
This is a sumo wrestler shape that uses creases to stand upright and can also be used as a piece for tabletop “ton-ton” sumo.
It’s important to be mindful of exactly where you align the folds; the more precise the creases, the more stable the balance when it stands.
The feet are firmly layered using reverse folds, so the shape is less likely to lose balance even when the ring is tapped.
By folding the wrestler accurately, you can develop fine finger movements, and then, when playing ton-ton sumo, focus on how to apply force and control your taps.
Kusudama made with six sheets of origami
Kusudama balls, densely covered with flowers and decorations, are festive ornaments that symbolize wishes for longevity.
Let’s recreate that flower-packed, three-dimensional look by combining origami.
Prepare six sheets of origami paper with different patterns on the front and back, and use them to make dimensional units.
Carefully and gently fold the pleats with precise reverses—this is a key point that contributes to the roundness when the units are assembled.
The gaps that appear when the six units are combined are also part of the charm, and their light-transmitting structure adds an airy feel.
Origami-Only Spinning Kaleidoscope
This craft uses eight colors of origami paper, creating a twirling motion that looks like a kaleidoscope.
The key is the shape of each piece: making precise, fine creases and producing uniform parts will ultimately enhance its beauty.
After unfolding the parts and connecting them in a straight line, extend both ends to link them together; once you form a large ring, it’s complete.
By fitting the parts together firmly, the shape won’t collapse when you rotate it inward or outward, and you can enjoy the beautiful pattern changes that make use of the white on the reverse side.
Origami bookmark
These colorful origami bookmarks are helpful as a guide to show how far you’ve read in a book.
A single sheet works as a marker, but opting for a colorful, sturdy design can make you more eager to keep reading.
The structure features a folded tab that tucks in, and the glue-free approach shows consideration for not sticking to the pages.
Just punch a hole and tie a ribbon to finish.
Mixing origami patterns with different ribbons adds originality, too.
You might also sandwich a piece of cardstock inside to make it even sturdier.
Origami rosette
Let’s make a rosette, like those used as decorations for medals and orders, using origami.
The pleated section surrounding the central circle is essential for creating the rosette’s look, so be mindful of achieving clean, beautiful tiers.
First, use plain origami paper to make the central circle, then attach pleats made from long, narrow strips of paper to the back.
Using patterned origami paper and keeping the pleats as uniform as possible are key to making it look beautiful.
Finally, add ribbon-themed embellishments to complete the piece, and use layered origami to create a sense of depth.
[For Seniors] Have Fun with Recreation! Origami Ideas (21–30)
Origami coaster
A hexagonal coaster made with origami is appealing not only because you can enjoy the crafting process, but also because it’s convenient to use right away.
By repeatedly forming triangles along the creases and tucking the folds, you create a sturdy coaster.
A single-color sheet gives a simple finish, but using printed origami paper makes for a more vibrant result, which is also recommended.
Also, choosing a rough-textured paper should help keep items from slipping, making it a practical coaster.