[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!
- [Recreation] Summary of Recommended Origami Ideas for Seniors
- [For Seniors] Enjoy Something New Every Day! Today’s Origami
- [For Seniors] Perfect Finger Exercises! Seasonal Flower Origami
- Easy origami that delights the elderly. Enjoy a heart-lifting time with seasonal origami.
- Enjoyable for seniors! Easy heart origami
- [For Seniors] Simple Handicrafts Recommended for Finger Exercise
- [For Seniors] Fun Origami That Also Works as Rehabilitation
- For Seniors: Effective Recreation for Preventing Care Needs—Have Fun While Staying Healthy
- [For Seniors] Simple and Fun: Craft Ideas You Can Make with Everyday Items
- Recommended for seniors! Origami gifts
- [For Seniors] A Collection of Fun Classic Caregiving Activities
- [For Seniors] Fun to Make! Paper Quilling Ideas
- [For Seniors] March Origami: Ideas to Brighten Your Room with Seasonal Flowers and Events
[For Seniors] Have Fun with Recreation! Origami Ideas (21–30)
origami fan
A fan-like uchiwa that, when opened, reveals beautiful fireworks.
You’ll use origami paper and wooden stirrers.
Everything can be found at 100-yen shops, so it’s easy to make.
Just use two colors of origami paper, accordion-fold them, make decorative cuts, and then layer and glue them onto the base sheet.
It’s practical, too.
A school backpack made of origami
Watching little grandchildren and other young children run around energetically is truly heartwarming for older adults, isn’t it? How about making a decoration inspired by a school backpack (randoseru)? Prepare one sheet of pink origami paper, fold it into a square, layering several folds as you go, and shape it into a three-dimensional randoseru.
Since there are many fine steps, it’s best to use a larger size if possible.
If you have the time, try making the backpack cover as well for a more authentic look!
origami spinning top
Did you know? You can actually make a spinning top out of origami! It really spins, so you can enjoy it even after you finish making it.
Since it uses origami—a craft that’s familiar to many older adults—it’s easy to try.
It would also be great to make one for your grandchildren or friends!
3D star-shaped trinket box
This is an adorable, star-like three-dimensional case that’s also convenient to use as a small storage container.
Beyond its beautiful appearance, a key point is how easy it is to make from a single sheet of paper by using foldbacks.
You start by folding the origami paper and making cuts with scissors to create a precise pentagon, then fold along each edge.
Next, you lift and fold along the boundaries of the edges to shape the form.
As the process continues, the folds become progressively finer, so paying attention to delicate finger movements is important.
Keep your focus on achieving a soft look and a beautiful pattern.
Simple Origami Ema (votive plaque)
@user2612084757239 [Origami] Easy ⭐︎ How to Fold an Ema (votive plaque)OrigamiTranslationEma (wooden votive plaque)origamiDarumaMt. Fuji
♪ Original Song – Moomin – Moomin
Many older adults enjoy or are skilled at origami, don’t they? If you make ema (votive plaques) out of folded paper, those seniors are likely to be satisfied as well.
Once you fold the ema shape, fold your preferred parts—such as the zodiac animal, Mount Fuji, or the first sunrise of the year—and attach them.
There are many New Year–themed projects with simple steps that are easy to make, so it could be fun to look for them together with seniors.
While making the ema, some people may also find themselves reminiscing about New Year’s episodes and memories they once shared with their families.
How to make an easy origami ema (votive plaque)
Origami involves extensive use of the fingertips and helps stimulate the brain, so I imagine many senior care facilities incorporate it.
It also trains fine motor skills and concentration.
Ema (votive plaques) made with origami are perfect for January, making them a great recommendation for origami activities with older adults.
Let’s fold while creasing carefully to create the piece.
If the steps are simple, many seniors will likely be able to participate.
Enjoy adding your own touches, such as writing messages or decorating with New Year-themed stickers.
Origami Japanese-style Decoration: Crane and Fan
Let’s combine origami and washi paper to make a crane and a folding fan.
First, fold the origami paper in half, then accordion-fold it, keeping the spacing evenly aligned as you go.
When creating a folding screen shape, vary the sizes and adjust where you make the halfway fold to achieve the look.
A key tip is to position the washi pattern on top so it remains visible.
Fold a crane using a quarter-size piece of origami paper, and finish by attaching plum blossoms around it.
Mizuhiki, which enhances a traditional Japanese atmosphere, is perfect for celebrations and festive occasions.
Give it a try!
