[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] A roundup of origami ideas recommended for seniors (11–20)
ribbon
This ribbon origami is perfect for decorating albums that compile memorable photos from the facility.
Fold the paper vertically and horizontally to make three creases in each direction.
Fold both sides inward to meet the outermost crease, then fold the top and bottom inward to meet at the center.
Fold it in half, then continue shaping it into a ribbon by folding further and opening into triangles as needed.
It’s a bit intricate, but if you follow the steps slowly, even beginners can create a cute ribbon.
When opening folded sections, be careful not to pull too hard and tear the paper, and work carefully.
umbrella
If you decorate with cute origami umbrellas, don’t you think it might lift the gloomy mood of the rainy season a little? Fold the origami paper into a triangle, then fold the edges to meet the top point.
After opening it up, fold so that a corner points sideways while creating overlapping sections, and adjust by making small folds along the edges until it looks like an umbrella.
Glue the folded section in place, then attach a handle piece made from another sheet of origami to the back, and you’re done! Displaying umbrellas in a variety of colors will brighten up the room in no time.
star
An origami star you can make without scissors is perfect for craft decorations and Christmas wall displays! After creasing along the diagonals and the cross, fold one corner toward the center and fold the edge back.
Lightly fold the adjacent corner to create a diagonal crease, then unfold everything once and fold the paper in half.
Fold it in half again, open it into a triangle, and continue folding using the initial creases as guides to complete a nicely thick star! If you glue the overlapping sections, it will look even neater.
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.
fish
Would you like to learn a basic fish fold that you can adapt into many different fish shapes? Place a sheet of origami paper that’s been cut in half horizontally, and fold the top-right corner to the bottom edge and the bottom-right corner to the top edge to make creases.
Make a crease at the intersection point and slightly to its left, and while avoiding creasing the left side that will be the fish’s surface, shape the right side into the tail.
Tuck in the left corner and the top and bottom edges to refine the shape, and your fish is complete! By changing the widths of your folds, you can freely create slender fish, rounder fish, and more—finish it in the style you like.
winter camellia
This is an origami winter camellia that evokes the coming of winter.
Cut a sheet of origami paper into four pieces, fold each one, and round-cut it to create heart-shaped petal parts.
Use a stick or similar tool to add a gentle curve to the petals.
For the central pollen section, fold a strip of paper narrowly, make fine slits along one edge, roll it up, and then flare out the slit portion.
Attach the petal parts in layers onto a cardstock base, and place the pollen piece in the center to complete a three-dimensional winter camellia.
When displaying it on a wall, arrange it beautifully together with leaf and branch pieces.
[Recreation] A roundup of recommended origami ideas for seniors (21–30)
shaved ice
Shaved ice topped with syrups like strawberry, melon, or Blue Hawaii.
Shaved ice on a hot day is something special, isn’t it? In senior care facilities, older adults may also enjoy shaved ice during summer festivals or as a snack.
Here’s an origami shaved ice craft that perfectly fits the summer vibe.
Since there are few small folds and the steps are simple, many seniors should find it approachable.
After folding the shaved ice with origami, use pens to color it as if you’re pouring your favorite syrup.
You can also customize the cup part that holds the shaved ice by drawing patterns or adding stickers.
