[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 (21–30)
Horse face made from a single sheet of origami paper
An origami horse you can make with a single sheet of origami paper and round stickers is a craft that seniors can easily try.
This video carefully explains a very simple folding method, so even those who aren’t confident with origami can do it.
Fold with the plain side facing inward.
You’ll need scissors or a craft knife to cut the forelock, so please handle sharp tools with care.
Once the face is folded, stick on a black round sticker for the eye and draw the nose with a pen to finish.
Have everyone choose their favorite color of paper and create a one-of-a-kind horse!
Christmas flower wreath
An origami flower wreath inspired by poinsettias, which are often used as Christmas decorations.
The flowers, which look as if they’re blooming brightly, are made by combining small origami parts.
Seniors who are good with their hands will likely enjoy making it.
Using red and green origami in Christmas colors enhances the festive atmosphere.
Simply attach the origami pieces to a wreath made from construction paper to finish.
You can also decorate it as you like with ribbons or cutouts of gifts and pinecones made from construction paper.
By changing the colors of the origami pieces, you can create a wreath suited to any season.
[For Seniors] Have Fun with Recreation! Origami Ideas (31–40)
Origami Grape Wreath
We’d like to introduce a grape wreath made with origami.
Many older adults enjoy origami, don’t they? One of its charms is that you can make it while seated, so it’s easy to get started.
Since it uses your fingertips a lot, it’s said to stimulate the brain and help prevent dementia.
A fruit-themed project like grapes also makes it easier for seniors to feel the season.
Make the wreath base out of origami as well, then attach the folded grapes.
Seeing something you made displayed on a facility wall or in your own room can be a real joy.
Please use this as inspiration and create a lovely piece!
3D grapes
Let’s make one of autumn’s flavors—grapes—out of origami.
Use a compass or similar tool to cut out round shapes from origami paper.
After making several circles, apply glue and layer them.
The key is to fold each piece of origami paper in half, then attach each half to a different circular piece, one by one.
This creates a spherical shape out of origami.
Connect the spheres together, and they will look like a bunch of grapes.
Using origami paper with dots or patterns can add a cute accent.
Older adults may also enjoy feeling the season of autumn through this grape craft.
Origami owl
Owls are considered lucky animals that bring good fortune, prevent hardship, help you age happily, and even boost financial luck.
Let’s make an owl out of origami—just having one around feels like happiness will flutter in! First, fold the paper twice into a square and twice into a triangle to make creases.
Return to the shape folded into a square, then open the paper from the side that isn’t sealed and shape it into an owl.
Stick on round stickers or circles cut from origami paper to make the eyes, draw the belly pattern, and you’re done.
Let’s make several and display them so that lots of good fortune comes to our seniors!
Crane diamond ornament
Here’s an idea for making a “Crane Diamond Ornament” using five sheets of origami in different colors.
It may look difficult, but the folding steps are simple, so please give it a try.
Fold the origami into a triangle and unfold it, then fold the adjacent edges along the crease.
Turn the paper over, fold a crane using the white area at the remaining corner, and create the connecting section using the yellow area.
The crane only includes the head and wings, so it’s easier than it looks; just fold the head slowly to make a clean shape.
Fold all five pieces in the same way and connect them to complete the ornament!
Colorful garland
Colorful garlands are items that instantly brighten the atmosphere just by being displayed.
Let’s decorate with garlands to celebrate Respect for the Aged Day! Fold several sheets of origami into accordions and combine them.
To make them easy to hang, attach small pieces to the ends, and you’re done.
Choosing color combinations is where your sense of style shines.
The method is very simple, so it should be fun to make together with seniors.
Add origami flowers and other decorations to enhance the festive mood for Respect for the Aged Day!