[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 (131–140)
Newspaper Stick Holder
Let me introduce “newspaper stick toss,” where you throw a stick made by rolling up newspaper and try to get it in before your opponent! It’s not just about throwing—aiming carefully at a target gives your brain a good workout.
You also have to pick up the newspapers after throwing them, which means walking, squatting, and doing various movements.
They may seem casual, but they can be surprisingly tiring.
It might also be fun to create roles like throwers and pickers and hold a team competition.
Newspaper Ring Relay
This is a game where team members stand in a single line holding hands and pass a ring made from newspaper along the linked hands.
Because you hook the ring by moving your joined hands, teamwork and syncing your timing with the person next to you are important.
Since you can’t move your hands freely, you tend to tense your arms, so it not only trains focus and speed on the ring, but also works the upper body, especially the arms.
You can make it more challenging by using a smaller newspaper ring and other tweaks, which boosts concentration even further—highly recommended.
Cherry Blossoms in the Moonlit Night
Cherry blossoms at night have a different kind of beauty from those seen during the day, don’t they? In daylight, the blossoms look delicately charming with their cute pink petals.
But under moonlight or illumination, they give off a more mature atmosphere.
Here’s a perfect wall decoration idea featuring night-time cherry blossoms for seniors who love yozakura.
Choose darker construction paper for the background of the cherry trees and blossoms, and add a moon to create a night-sakura scene.
As they make the blossoms, seniors will likely feel the arrival of spring.
Looking at the finished piece, they may appreciate the beauty of night cherry blossoms and even reminisce about their past cherry blossom memories.
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.
Sakura Japanese-style ornament
Cherry trees color Japan’s spring.
Seeing the cherry blossoms in full bloom in parks and other places gives you a sense of seasonal charm, doesn’t it? Let’s make a Japanese-style cherry blossom decoration that captures that feeling of spring.
Use three sheets of origami in different sizes, accordion-fold them, apply glue, and connect them.
Create a three-dimensional cherry blossom out of origami.
Because it’s three-dimensional, some steps are quite detailed.
Older adults who enjoy origami will likely have fun making it.
If the finer parts are difficult, people around them should lend a hand.
Assemble the cherry blossom petals and place them on the accordion-folded origami to finish.
It will look lovely displayed at home.
cherry blossom twig
Introducing a cherry blossom twig decoration that symbolizes spring in Japan.
Once you have pink origami paper ready, let’s make the blossoms.
Using a round dish or similar object makes it easy.
Cut out a circle, fold it in half, then fold it again so it becomes one-third the original size.
Sketch a petal shape with a pencil and cut along the line.
When you unfold it, you’ll have a cherry blossom with six petals.
Overlap one petal onto the neighboring petal to give it a three-dimensional shape.
Make a branch from brown origami paper and leaves from green origami paper, then attach them along with the blossoms to finish.
It looks adorable when added to a message card or gift box.
Give it a try!
Cherry blossom wall decoration
Let’s make a cherry-blossom wall decoration that lets you feel the arrival of spring even indoors.
You’ll need origami paper, a craft punch, scissors, and similar supplies.
The appeal is that you can make it with materials you have on hand.
Prepare dark pink origami paper and fold it twice to form a triangle.
After folding along the creases several times, mark it with a pen and cut with scissors.
When you unfold it, you’ll have a cherry blossom with beautifully symmetrical petals.
Make another blossom the same way using light pink origami in a slightly smaller size, and create leaves from green origami.
Accordion-fold the leaves to add veins for a realistic look.
Use a craft punch to make the center parts of the blossoms and attach them, and your cherry blossoms are ready.
Mount them on a backing sheet, and your lovely cherry-blossom wall decoration is complete.