[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 (101–110)
Simple wisteria flower
Introducing a wisteria flower made by combining many small flower parts.
Cut a standard sheet of origami paper into quarters and fold it as you would when making a crane.
Once you open and fold both sides only on the surface that will become the front of the flower, the blossom is complete.
Make lots of flowers and leaves and assemble them to create a lovely hanging wisteria decoration.
Because this project requires many parts, it’s perfect for recreational activities in senior care facilities.
Get everyone involved and enjoy making it together!
Paper cutouts of osmanthus flowers
Kinmokusei (fragrant orange osmanthus) is a plant that blooms with orange flowers in autumn and is known as one of Japan’s three great fragrant trees—its scent is very popular.
This project shows how to create a pattern resembling a chain of tiny kinmokusei flowers by cutting folded origami.
Fold the origami into a triangle, mark flower shapes on it, then cut along the marks and unfold to reveal a connected row of kinmokusei.
Since it can look flat on its own, it’s also recommended to layer the pieces, glue them onto a backing sheet, or add decorations like stickers to give it a more three-dimensional look.
poinsettia
Poinsettias, which vividly brighten up the winter season, strongly evoke Christmas with their red and green appearance.
How about recreating a poinsettia with origami to feel a touch of warmth amid the cold? The method involves cutting origami into shapes that look like spread leaves and layering them, but by giving each part crisp creases, you create depth when they’re stacked.
Make sure to press firm creases into each piece, fold and cut, and then layer them while keeping a sense of softness in mind.
peach blossoms
Peach blossoms, which bloom as spring grows warmer, are known to share many similarities with cherry blossoms, such as their small pink flowers.
Let’s create peach blossoms that capture that beauty and warmth by making a three-dimensional version with origami.
First, cut the origami paper into a pentagon.
Using the creases—which also serve as guides—fold it into a shape with five pointed directions.
From there, shape each tip into a petal, and you’re done.
It’s a design where precise small refolds are key.
The reverse side of the paper also becomes part of the design, so the impression will change depending on the color you choose.
Colorful windmill
Let me introduce a spinning pinwheel that’s perfect for the refreshing winds of May.
We’ll make the pinwheel’s blades using two sheets of origami paper.
It’s recommended that one sheet have a pattern or design.
Glue the two sheets together at the center, draw lines between opposite corners, and make small cuts along those lines.
Place a square piece of origami at the center, then glue down the cut corner sections to form the blades.
Wrap a bamboo skewer with washi-pattern origami to make the stick, and attach the pinwheel.
Some older adults may remember making pinwheels when they were children.
Talking about memories of playing with pinwheels as kids might spark a lively conversation.
[For Seniors] Enjoyable Origami That Also Serves as Rehabilitation (111–120)
butterfly
In May, when warm days continue, you’ll often see new buds opening and flowers blooming.
You may also spot butterflies flitting around flower beds in fields and parks.
Let’s make spring-heralding butterflies with origami.
We’ll create a butterfly by combining two sheets folded in an accordion (fan) style.
By adjusting the folding method, you can make the reverse side look like a pattern on the butterfly.
The steps are simple, so many older adults should find it approachable.
And as they work, they can also enjoy the feeling of spring.
Once finished, try hanging them up or decorating a wall with them.
Carp streamers made only with origami
Easy prep! Here’s a koi-shaped windsock (koinobori) you can make with a single sheet of origami paper.
First, fold the paper along the diagonal to make a crease.
Open it, then fold both sides toward the center to mark the lines.
After folding to the marks, flip it over and fold the left and right corners toward the center.
Flip it over again and fold the remaining corners.
Flip once more and fold along the center line.
Make a small cut with scissors on the tail section; flip it over and fold the clipped corners.
Fold the whole piece in half, then draw or stick on eyes and scales with a pen or stickers to finish.
There are some fine steps, but using your fingers while thinking stimulates the brain and may help prevent cognitive decline.
Give it a try!
