[Recreation] Summary of Recommended Origami Ideas for Seniors
Origami is a seated group activity that everyone can enjoy.
Because origami uses your fingertips, it also serves as brain training and can help prevent cognitive decline.
If you don’t fold regularly, it’s easy to forget how to make certain models, isn’t it?
In this article, we’ve gathered seasonal items, animals, plants, and more—from easy folds to more advanced designs.
You can make lots of pieces to decorate the wall, or stick them onto fans and other items to create your own projects.
Why not read this article and try folding together with older adults?
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[Recreation] Summary of Origami Ideas Recommended for Seniors (1–10)
balloon
Let’s make an origami balloon! Fold the paper in half, then fold it in half again.
Open it up and collapse it into a triangle.
Fold the triangle’s bottom corners up toward the top point, then fold the left and right corners toward the center.
Fold down the top flaps and tuck them into the pockets on both sides.
Flip it over and repeat the same steps on the back.
Finally, blow into the opening to shape it, and you’ll have a puffy origami balloon! Doesn’t it bring back nostalgic memories of playing with paper balloons when you were little?
helmet
When Children’s Day is approaching, why not try making a samurai helmet out of origami? Fold the paper into a triangle, then fold the left and right corners up to meet at the top point.
Fold the tips of the raised sections down to the bottom corner, then fold them back outward diagonally.
Finally, fold up the front of the bottom section so the white side shows, and tuck the excess to the back—your kabuto is complete! It’s fun to enjoy the season and celebrate Japan’s long-standing seasonal festival traditions by making origami together with everyone at the facility.
maple leaves
Recreate an autumn landscape on your wall with an easy origami maple leaf that uses just a few steps! First, crease the paper along the diagonal, then fold the two adjacent sides inward along the crease.
Turn it over and fold the corner up to meet the tip of the top triangle, then flip it over again.
Open the pocket section and flatten it, then fold the bottom corner on the back side upward.
Flip it over once more, fold the top corner downward, and then fold it up diagonally.
Fold the remaining bottom section upward, and adjust by folding the sides so it forms the shape of a maple leaf.
You’re done!
[Recreation] A roundup of origami ideas recommended for seniors (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.
Hoppy Frog
This is a cute origami frog that jumps when you press its back.
Fold the paper in half vertically so the edge is on the left, then fold the top-left corner to meet the right edge.
Unfold, then do the same with the top-right corner and unfold.
Fold down along the center line created by the creases, then open and flip the paper over.
Collapse along the creases into a triangle, and fold the corners of the triangle diagonally upward to make the frog’s hands.
Next, fold the lower square section upward to form the body and legs, and you’re done! It could be fun to have everyone compete to see whose frog can jump the farthest.
kusudama (decorative paper ball used for celebrations)
You can make a beautiful polyhedral kusudama with just a single sheet of origami paper! First, crease the diagonals and a cross (vertical and horizontal), and also add creases to divide the paper into four equal sections both vertically and horizontally.
Next, fold the corners to align with the creases and add diagonal lines.
Fold all four corners, then fold the paper in half, and continue folding along the initial lines you made.
Finally, blow air into the opening and use a bamboo skewer to refine the shape, and it’s complete! The process is a bit intricate, but if you carefully make the creases first and fold slowly following the steps, you’ll end up with a beautiful kusudama.
Highly recommended for those who enjoy detailed handiwork!
persimmon
This is a very cute, three-dimensional persimmon ornament made from origami.
Fold a sheet of origami paper in half, then fold it in half again, and round off the corners by cutting them.
Unfold it, make deep slits toward the center, and use a thin stick or similar tool to add curves so it will roll more easily.
Apply a thin layer of glue to the four corners and stick them together at the center to complete the three-dimensional persimmon fruit.
Attach a calyx and leaves made from origami as well, and you’ll have a persimmon decoration that feels like autumn! If you want to hang it, attach some yarn or jute twine.