[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)
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.
Four kinds of spring origami
As spring-themed origami that are friendly and approachable for seniors, we’d like to introduce four types: clover, strawberry, tulip, and butterfly.
Each features a spring-like motif with bright colors and charming shapes that will warm the heart.
They’re all easy to fold, and simply changing the color of the paper can give each piece a different expression.
Moving the fingers naturally provides a bit of rehabilitation, and once finished, you can attach them to wall decorations or message cards to create seasonal pieces.
Enjoy a fun crafting time that lets you feel the spring while keeping your hands active.
Sakura mochi
When it comes to spring wagashi, sakuramochi is the classic choice, isn’t it? This time, we’re introducing an idea to express this charming seasonal treat with origami.
Make the mochi portion with pink origami paper, then wrap it with a leaf made from green origami paper, and you’ll have a sakuramochi that looks just like the real thing.
The steps are simple, making it easy and enjoyable even for older adults.
The fine hand movements involved can also help stimulate the brain and support rehabilitation.
The finished pieces are perfect as spring decorations and can be used to create a seasonal wall display.
It’s origami that’s delightful to look at and soothing to make.
Hina dolls
Hinamatsuri, the popular event in March.
Some seniors may remember displaying hina dolls and enjoying a festive meal with their families.
However, since hina dolls require space to set up, some households no longer display them these days.
For those people, we recommend small, cute hina dolls made from origami.
Prepare four sheets of origami paper and cut them to the sizes needed for each part.
Make the faces of the empress (ohinasama) and the emperor (odairisama), and also craft small accessories like a fan and a ritual baton (shaku).
Finally, make the kimono, then assemble the faces and accessories to complete the dolls.
They would also make a delightful gift for your grandchildren.
Japanese bush warbler
The Japanese bush warbler, known for its “ho-hokekyo” song, is perfect for a spring origami activity.
You can make it with a single sheet of origami paper, so it seems easy for seniors to join in.
Prepare light yellow-green origami paper, round stickers, and a white pen.
Fold the paper in half into a triangle, then continue folding along the creases.
Once the warbler’s body is made, use the round sticker and white pen to create the eye.
If you don’t have a round sticker, draw it with a black pen instead.
This cute bush warbler origami is likely to spark seniors’ creativity.
Try making plum blossoms as well and display them together.
They’ll instantly brighten up the room.
a bouquet of tulips
Did you know that tulips, which bloom in vibrant colors from late March to mid-April, come in a wide variety of hues? In addition to classic red, yellow, and white, there are even black and purple tulips! Let’s try folding tulips with origami in your favorite colors.
Use quarter-size pieces of origami paper to make the flowers, and combine two pieces to form the stem.
Attach the flowers to wrapping paper with a ribbon, and you’re done.
They make a lovely gift for family and friends on special occasions.
[For Seniors] Enjoyable Origami That Also Serves as Rehabilitation (91–100)
Three-dimensional dandelion
The dandelion, which blooms with vivid yellow flowers, is a familiar flower even to older adults.
Some people may have made flower crowns with dandelions.
In this article, we introduce dandelion-themed ideas that represent spring.
Cut yellow origami paper into one-quarter width strips lengthwise.
Fold it so it becomes long and narrow, then glue two pieces together and make many small slits.
Be careful not to cut all the way through! Roll it up tightly from one end and secure it with glue to complete the flower.
Make a stem and leaves, and decorate a frame to finish.
It’s a gentle craft that lets you feel the arrival of spring.