[For Seniors] Fun Origami That Also Works as Rehabilitation
Origami is also being incorporated into rehabilitation for the elderly.
The process of folding, which engages the mind and uses the fingertips, appears to provide moderate stimulation to the brain and help activate it.
So this time, we’ll introduce origami that can be expected to have positive effects for rehabilitation.
We’ve gathered pieces with simple steps that are easy for older adults to try, as well as origami you can play with once it’s finished!
Origami offers a sense of accomplishment when a piece is completed, and because it’s familiar to many seniors, it can be enjoyed across generations.
Some older adults may find it difficult at first.
However, once they get used to it, gradually increasing the difficulty should make it even more enjoyable!
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[For Seniors] Fun Origami That Also Works as Rehabilitation (71–80)
bamboo leaves
How about making the essential “bamboo leaves” for Tanabata out of origami and enjoying a decoration full of seasonal charm? Fold green origami paper into long, slender shapes and you’ll have refreshing bamboo leaves that sway in the breeze.
A single leaf looks lovely, but combining several creates a more three-dimensional decoration.
Display them together with stars, tanzaku strips, and kusudama balls to instantly enhance the Tanabata atmosphere.
The steps are simple, so even seniors can work on them with confidence, and it’s effective as finger exercise, too.
Why not start preparing for a fun Tanabata with origami?
Flower kusudama with streamers decoration
Would you like to handcraft a “flower kusudama with streamers” out of origami—perfect for the Tanabata season? Make multiple flowers from colorful origami paper, assemble them into a sphere to create a kusudama, and then attach long, slender origami streamers to complete a vibrant decoration that sways in the breeze.
The delicate, finger-intensive work stimulates the brain simply by doing it, making it potentially effective as rehabilitation.
Once finished, you can enjoy it as a Tanabata ornament by displaying it on the wall at a facility or at home.
Spend a moment feeling the season through origami.
fireworks
This firework is quite a piece that makes you think, “Is it really this easy to make with origami?” It’s not that difficult, but thanks to the trick with black paper and an optical illusion, it looks like a very complex origami work, which is fascinating.
You insert black origami inside petal-like parts made from colored origami.
I’m using about three colors of origami here.
Once it’s finished, mounting it on a black backing makes it look even more like fireworks spreading across the night sky.
Please give it a try.
wind chime
Why not make a summer staple—the wind chime—out of origami and feel a touch of coolness with your eyes? Fold a round body and attach a dangling strip, and you’ll get a gentle look as if it’s swaying in the breeze.
Using translucent colors or patterned origami gives it a cool, seasonal appearance.
The simple steps are enjoyable even for seniors, and using the fingertips can naturally offer a rehabilitative effect.
Display them on a wall or by a window to create a space that quietly evokes the charm of summer.
It’s also appealing that you can get all the materials at a 100-yen shop.
Give it a try!
ladybug
A popular origami piece that evokes the arrival of spring is the ladybug.
It’s easy to make with a single sheet of paper, so even seniors can enjoy it with confidence.
Its rounded shape and the cute contrast of red and black make it perfect for seasonal decorations.
The steps are simple, yet using the fingertips provides brain stimulation and hand exercise, making it effective for rehabilitation as well.
Display the finished ladybugs together with cherry blossoms and other flowers to create a bright, cheerful spring scene.
It’s a recommended craft that will instantly lift your spirits.
Peach blossom made from a single sheet of origami
Introducing a craft idea that lets you feel the arrival of warm spring: “A Peach Blossom Made from a Single Sheet of Origami Paper.” It’s easy to make with just one sheet of origami, yet the softly opened petals look charming and add a bright, springlike touch.
Choose a gentle pink paper for a soothing finish that’s delightful to look at.
No tools or special skills are required, and the delicate, finger-based steps can also help with hand rehabilitation and improving concentration.
This is a recommended craft you can use to decorate your room or for seasonal wall displays.
Origami Tangram
Seven pieces in total! Here are some origami tangram ideas.
Let’s make and play with colorful, pop-looking tangrams.
A tangram is a puzzle where you use seven pieces that divide a square to create various shapes.
This time, let’s make one with origami.
You’ll need seven 15 cm square sheets of origami paper and four 7.5 cm square sheets.
We provide clear, careful instructions for folding each part, so follow along and give it a try.