[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
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- Enjoyable for seniors! Easy heart origami
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- For Seniors: Effective Recreation for Preventing Care Needs—Have Fun While Staying Healthy
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- Recommended for seniors! Origami gifts
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- [For Seniors] March Origami: Ideas to Brighten Your Room with Seasonal Flowers and Events
[For Seniors] Have Fun with Recreation! Origami Ideas (51–60)
crab
Here’s an introduction to crab origami that evokes the feeling of the summer sea.
Many older adults may have gone to the beach with family or friends during summer vacation.
This crab origami is sure to bring back those happy memories.
When you think of crabs, you think of their claws—these claws are made from a single sheet of origami paper together with the body.
Many people imagine crabs as red, but don’t feel limited to red; try making them with orange or blue origami paper as well.
With the variety of colors and patterns available in origami paper, you can create uniquely expressive pieces.
box of watermelons
Watermelon is one of the iconic foods of summer, isn’t it? Many older adults likely have memories of eating watermelon in the summer.
So this time, we’ll introduce an origami project with a watermelon theme: a watermelon box.
We’ll make the flesh part and the rind part with origami.
By separating them, the flesh becomes the lid and the rind becomes the container.
When finished, you’ll have a triangular watermelon box, just like the slice you hold when you eat it.
It can serve as a little trinket box, and if you put some candy inside and give it to your grandchild, they’ll probably be delighted.
hibiscus
Hibiscus under the hot summer sun.
Wouldn’t it be perfect for an August origami project? Here’s a hibiscus origami craft that almost makes you hear a cheerful “Aloha!” The hibiscus is known for its large, fluttering petals.
You can express this by adding long, narrow creases to the origami when folding the petal sections.
Since it uses a lot of finger movement, it’s also great for brain training and finger dexterity.
Cut the tip of the origami into a curved, petal-like shape.
Create the stamens and pistil in the center, as well as the leaves and stem, attach them to the petals, and you’re done.
It’s a lovely, three-dimensional hibiscus piece.
balloon goldfish
Some older adults may have fond memories of scooping goldfish at summer festival stalls, don’t you think? Watching goldfish gracefully swim in a tank can also evoke a refreshing, cool feeling.
Let’s help older adults feel the arrival of summer with goldfish origami.
If you make a goldfish that turns into a paper balloon, you can blow air into it to create a plump, adorable goldfish.
Try using origami in various colors, or with traditional Japanese patterns or polka dots.
You can create unique pieces that only origami can achieve.
Display them on the wall or paste them onto a backing shaped like an aquarium—your ideas will expand the possibilities of your creations.
[For Seniors] Have Fun with Recreational Activities! Origami Ideas (61–70)
Flower ball made with a circular craft punch
@ayawangpaper Candy-like Origami Kusudama | A small, cute flower ball made with a round craft punch | Origami Flower Ball | AyaWangPaper#diy#papercraft#origamitutorialOrigami Kusudama
2:23 AM – Sharo
Making flower balls using origami paper and a circular craft punch is a perfect idea for senior recreation.
With simple steps, you can create lots of brightly colored petals and combine them to form a three-dimensional kusudama.
Handwork helps stimulate the brain, and the finished piece looks gorgeous and gives a strong sense of accomplishment.
Working together as a group encourages conversation and makes for an enjoyable time, which is another appeal.
It’s easy for beginners to try, so it’s highly recommended.
Mini mini kusudama made with 4 cm origami paper
Here’s a kusudama made from small origami that we especially recommend for seniors who are skilled at origami.
The paper size is 4 cm.
Combine parts made with this paper size to create a mini kusudama.
Many kusudama units involve detailed folding.
When using smaller paper, you’ll use your fingertips even more dexterously.
If the senior enjoys origami, they’ll likely be able to focus and work on it intently.
With a slightly higher level of difficulty, they should feel an even greater sense of accomplishment when it’s finished.
kusudama ornament
Here’s an introduction to making a kusudama ornament out of origami.
During the Christmas season, ornaments are hung on trees and around the house, right? Depending on the design, ornaments can create a fun and festive atmosphere.
You can use either origami paper or construction paper.
Cut the paper into a circle and fold it several times.
Make five creases on the circular piece.
Of those five creases, apply glue to two of them, fold the piece in half with the glued creases on the inside.
Make 20 of these parts, then connect the parts by applying glue to the other three crease areas (the ones without glue) and attaching them together.
Once all the parts are assembled, you’ll have a charming ornament with a mesh-like pattern.
Since this involves steps beyond folding—like using scissors and glue—it offers plenty of hand and finger activity, making it suitable for older adults as well.