[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] Enjoyable Origami That Also Serves as Rehabilitation (81–90)
randoseru (Japanese elementary school backpack)
April brings to mind school entrance ceremonies and the sight of cheerful first graders heading to school with shiny new randoseru backpacks.
While red and black used to be the standard colors, these days randoseru come in a wide variety of hues.
For an April origami activity, why not fold a randoseru in your favorite color? Divide one sheet of origami paper into thirds vertically, and proceed to fold each section.
Drawing lines along the crease marks makes it easier to follow.
With some finer steps involved, this project helps build concentration and can be effective for dementia prevention.
It would also make a delightful gift for your grandchild.
Hydrangea kusudama
Hydrangeas, with their round, gentle shapes and calm colors, bring a sense of comfort and healing to the heart.
They have a soft, friendly impression that makes them well-liked by older adults, too.
This time, I’ll introduce a hydrangea kusudama.
Its volume gives it a strong presence.
Display it in your room to fully enjoy the rainy season.
All you need is origami paper, so it’s an easy craft to try.
There are many small steps, but since you repeat the same actions often, it becomes simple once you get used to it.
It will surely make a delightful gift for someone special!
Hydrangea Snail
Here’s a cute and playful hydrangea snail made with origami.
Both the hydrangea and the snail are easy to fold, and you can mix and match them however you like.
First, make the snail out of origami paper.
Cut out the eye parts to give it a sweet expression.
For the hydrangea, fold a small square of origami and round off the top and bottom edges with scissors.
When you open it up, you’ll have an adorable flower.
Attach the hydrangea flower to the snail’s back, and it’s done.
You can change the snail’s expression with the eyes and create your own unique hydrangea snail by varying how you place the flowers.
Since there are no difficult steps, it’s also recommended for activities in senior care facilities.
Gift box with hydrangeas
Let us introduce a gift box adorned with hydrangeas—visually striking and exciting to open.
You’ll fold the box by marking guide lines on origami paper as you go.
There are some fine steps, but by imagining the finished form while you work, you’ll engage your planning skills—your executive function—which can help stimulate the brain.
After making a hydrangea using origami in the same color as the box and gluing it on, the project is complete.
Adding decorations like pearls will make it look even more elegant.
Put a small gift inside and present it—your recipient is sure to be delighted.
Hydrangea decoration
When we think of the rainy season, hydrangeas come to mind, don’t they? Many people find their hearts soothed just by gazing at their colorful blooms.
This time, we’ll introduce a hydrangea decoration that brightens up the rainy season.
First, prepare your favorite origami paper and fold it in half.
Draw a circle with a pencil, then tear along the line by hand to cut it out.
Paste two sheets of origami onto construction paper, then layer the torn pieces of origami on top.
There are no difficult steps, so it’s a craft that seniors can enjoy with ease—highly recommended.
Finally, sprinkle on beads or stickers, and in no time you’ll have a lovely hydrangea decoration finished.
Colorful hydrangea flower wreath
Let me introduce a hydrangea flower wreath made from origami.
All you need is glue, so it’s easy to prepare.
Once you’ve picked your favorite origami paper, attach a marker piece and keep folding while flipping the paper front and back.
It involves fine work with your fingertips, but that helps stimulate your brain.
Attach the finished flowers to each other and shape them into a wreath.
Be careful not to let them shift until the glue dries.
You can enjoy making them in sizes from small to large, and layering them makes the result even more beautiful.
Give it a try!
[For Seniors] Enjoyable Origami That Also Serves as Rehabilitation (91–100)
Popup card
Let me introduce a hydrangea popup card with a beautifully unfolding flower when you open it.
Prepare seven sheets of origami paper, trim them into small squares, and fold each one into a triangle three times.
Gently round the top edge with your scissors as you cut.
When you open it, it will form a flower shape; cut off just one petal, apply glue, and overlap the edges to adhere it into a cone-like flower.
Fold the finished flowers flat and glue them back-to-back to create the popup mechanism.
Attach them to construction paper along with some leaves, and you’ll have a lovely hydrangea popup card that opens softly.
It makes a delightful message card or birthday card that recipients are sure to enjoy.