[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)
shuriken
When you were a kid, didn’t many of you have fun throwing paper shuriken you made together? Fold a sheet of origami paper in half and open it once, then fold the left and right edges to meet the center crease.
Fold it in half again, then fold both ends into triangles in an asymmetrical way.
Fold those triangles over once more to complete one part.
Make a matching second part using the same steps, and then fit them together by tucking each piece into the pocket of the other.
With just two sheets of origami paper, your shuriken is complete.
It’s also great to use the shuriken you made for recreational activities!
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.
[Recreation] A roundup of origami ideas recommended for seniors (11–20)
peach blossoms
This is an origami peach blossom that’s perfect for Hinamatsuri.
Place a sheet of origami paper folded in half horizontally.
Make crease lines by folding the top-right corner down to the bottom edge and the bottom-right corner up to the top edge.
Fold the bottom-left corner toward the center point where the creases intersect, then fold it back along the outer line.
After folding the right side toward the center, fold it back outward, round-cut around the middle area, and open it up while adding creases to give it dimension—the peach blossom is complete! By changing how you cut, you can adapt it into various other flowers.
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.
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!
crab
Let’s make a cute crab with a single sheet of origami! First, crease the diagonals and the vertical and horizontal lines, then collapse along the creases into a triangle.
With the tip pointing toward you, lift the left flap, fold it inward on a diagonal, and return it to the left.
Do the same on the right side and return it.
Next, fold down the top edge by a few millimeters, then fold the corners up on a diagonal.
Tuck the pointed bottom section inside, flip it over, and your crab is complete! Add eyes with stickers and draw a pattern on the crab’s belly with a pen before displaying it.