[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)
Plump, three-dimensional wind chime
Here, we’ll introduce a three-dimensional wind chime made easily with origami.
Prepare two standard 15 cm square sheets of origami.
Fold one sheet into quarters to make a smaller square, then cut it out as if using a template.
When it forms a flower shape with four petals, thread a string through the hole in the center, apply glue to the outer edges, and stick them together.
Cut the other sheet in half, fold each half once, thread a string through, and glue it.
That’s it—finished.
A cool-looking wind chime really evokes the feeling of summer, doesn’t it?
beetle (specifically, a rhinoceros beetle)
When it comes to summer, the insect kids long for most is probably the rhinoceros beetle.
It’s a bit complicated, but it looks really cool when finished, so give it a try.
First, divide a sheet of origami paper into four equal parts, use one piece for the body, and make the horn at half that size.
Then divide the remaining half into three to make the legs.
If you twist the paper to form the legs, they’ll look more realistic.
Assemble and glue the parts together to finish.
Try making a female rhinoceros beetle without a horn, too.
watermelon
A great recommendation for summer origami is a watermelon.
This watermelon can stand upright or be pasted flat.
You make it using two sheets of origami paper: one for the rind color and one for the flesh color.
Simply put, you fold the rind-colored paper around the flesh-colored paper.
Once it’s finished, folding it in half gives it a strong watermelon look.
When drawing the seeds at the end, it’s surprisingly easy to make mistakes, so it’s best to draw the ones at the edges and in the center first, then fill in the spaces between.
Try making a yellow watermelon, too!
Beer and edamame
We’ll introduce how to fold a beer-themed origami that forms a pouch and can even be used as an envelope, along with an edamame design that pairs perfectly with beer.
For the beer origami, yellow paper is recommended.
It’s also nice to add a message with a white pen, like tiny bubbles.
The edamame looks cute if you make it from a quarter-sized sheet of origami paper.
You can make two types: with pods and without.
After crafting such delicious-looking origami, you might find yourself craving the real thing! Give it a try yourself.
firefly
Fireflies are insects that magically color the night in early summer.
How about making one out of origami? You’ll mainly use black origami paper for the body, and prepare a little red paper for the head and yellow paper for the glowing tail.
The folding for the body is relatively simple, so you should be able to finish it quickly.
At the end, attach a small circle cut from the yellow paper to the tail, and it’s done.
It looks lovely to make many small ones and stick them on a window, or place them against a background that mimics a waterside scene.
It’s a seasonal origami craft that lets you feel a touch of coolness.
Tanabata decorations: cute star ornaments
Here’s a popular and cute origami idea to brighten up Tanabata: star decorations.
Make three-dimensional stars or star-shaped chains that you can link together using colorful origami paper, and your room or living area will instantly take on a cheerful, festive vibe! The simple shapes make them easy for seniors as well, with potential benefits for finger exercise, rehabilitation, and improving concentration.
Create many and decorate the wall to bring a Tanabata atmosphere in no time.
Using shiny papers like gold or silver makes them even more beautiful.
Try making origami stars and enjoy the seasonal celebration!
morning glory
Origami morning glories are a fun seasonal craft that captures the feeling of summer.
Add green leaves and vines to the brightly colored blooms and arrange them freely to create a scene that looks as if morning glories are blooming in a garden.
Displaying them like a wall decoration will brighten up your room and lift the spirits of anyone who sees them.
The steps are mostly simple and easy to fold even for older adults, and the sense of accomplishment when finished is exceptional.
Why not add a subtle touch of color to your summer life with handmade morning glories?