[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 Serves as Rehabilitation (1–10)
Hina dolls with distinctive kimonos
Let’s make a perfect set of the imperial couple (the emperor and empress) for Hinamatsuri.
First, mark the origami by folding it in half, then into quarters, in order.
Create creases at the corners and around the edges to form the shape of the kimono.
For the hair, take a small square of black origami paper, fold it into a triangle, then fold both sides toward the center to shape the hairstyle.
Attach the empress’s body and hair, then add the fan to finish.
For the emperor, the key is to make a crisp fold at the collar and fold the sleeves of the kimono upward to create the right angle.
Fold a crown from black origami paper to complete the emperor.
Feel free to draw the facial expressions in your own original style.
Self-standing Hina Dolls you can make even if you’re super clumsy
Let’s make some cute hina dolls that will look adorable even displayed at the entrance.
Cut a sheet of origami paper in half, fold it in half, then overlap and fold the left and right sides to create the kimonos for the empress (ohinasama) and the emperor (odairisama).
Tuck the triangular flap inside to finish.
For the face parts, prepare one sheet of black origami paper, fold it in thirds, then fold one third in half; as you fold the corners, shape the hair while checking the balance.
Finally, fold up from the bottom to complete the face parts.
For the odairisama, make the crown by shaping the tip to a point, then fold the corners to give it a rounded form.
Once you make the fan, ladle, and crown, it’s complete.
Marguerite Wreath
Margaret’s wreath is an origami piece whose charm lies in how freely you can arrange it.
By changing the flower colors within a single wreath and varying their sizes for emphasis, you create a look that avoids being overly uniform.
Placing the leaves so they extend outward adds movement to the ring shape and gives a light, airy impression.
The key is to adjust the placement while watching the overall balance rather than aiming for strict symmetry.
The finished mood changes depending on the combinations you choose, making it easy to style the wreath to suit where it will be displayed.
Do try making one and enjoy the feeling of spring.
[For Seniors] Enjoyable Origami That Also Serves as Rehabilitation (11–20)
Origami coaster
A hexagonal coaster made with origami is appealing not only because you can enjoy the crafting process, but also because it’s convenient to use right away.
By repeatedly forming triangles along the creases and tucking the folds, you create a sturdy coaster.
A single-color sheet gives a simple finish, but using printed origami paper makes for a more vibrant result, which is also recommended.
Also, choosing a rough-textured paper should help keep items from slipping, making it a practical coaster.
origami crane
The origami crane is arguably the most iconic origami model! But if you haven’t made one in a while, it’s easy to forget the steps partway through.
After creasing both a cross and diagonals, fold into a triangle, then open both sides into a square base.
With the open end facing down, fold the left and right corners toward the center, then open up and squash into a diamond while spreading top and bottom.
Carefully shape the head and tail parts, and you’re done! Because you repeat steps of folding and opening, it’s surprisingly easy to lose track of the correct order even if you think you remember it.
Try tackling the classic crane while recalling how you learned it as a child.
3D star-shaped trinket box
This is an adorable, star-like three-dimensional case that’s also convenient to use as a small storage container.
Beyond its beautiful appearance, a key point is how easy it is to make from a single sheet of paper by using foldbacks.
You start by folding the origami paper and making cuts with scissors to create a precise pentagon, then fold along each edge.
Next, you lift and fold along the boundaries of the edges to shape the form.
As the process continues, the folds become progressively finer, so paying attention to delicate finger movements is important.
Keep your focus on achieving a soft look and a beautiful pattern.
Balloon origami
Many of you likely remember playing with paper balloons when you were children.
These simple balloons, easily made with origami, evoke nostalgia and bring excitement to older adults.
Because the steps are very simple, they’re perfect for seniors to fold while having fun! Finish by blowing air into it to shape it, and the balloon is complete.
Folding the paper balloon helps train fine motor skills, and batting the balloon with the hands provides stimulation.
It’s also recommended for recreational activities in senior care facilities, so be sure to give it a try!
