[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 (141–150)
Sakura Paper Cutout
Do you know the paper-cutting artist Kanako Yaguchi? How should I put it—her kirigami pieces are fun to look at, beautiful to display, and make you marvel, “Is this all paper cutting?” If you’re curious, definitely look her up.
Here, we’re introducing a sakura (cherry blossom) kirigami project.
Even if you’ve never tried kirigami before, don’t worry—there are motifs that beginners can tackle with ease.
When you bring together each individual piece, they can become a striking wall decoration, so invite lots of friends and enjoy a wonderful time together!
Wreath of daffodils and roses
Daffodils bloom until early spring, and roses bloom around late spring, so even though their seasons are offset, both can be said to be representative spring flowers.
This is a simple yet dimensional wreath with a glamorous look that combines daffodils and roses.
Another key point is that the wreath base and stem parts are kept flat, which helps emphasize the three-dimensionality of the daffodil and rose blossoms.
For each flower, it’s important to deliberately add fine creases, cuts, and bends, and to shape them carefully so that a sense of depth and volume comes through.
Crown Medal
Here’s how to make a three-dimensional crown medal that also works as a decoration for sports day.
It can be used as a display, and seniors who participate in the sports day program can wear it around their necks as well.
Receiving a handmade medal might make some seniors feel happy.
Cut two slits in the cardstock base of the medal and insert a crown—also made from cardstock—into the slits.
Position the slits along a curved line so the medal becomes three-dimensional.
We recommend attaching shiny origami paper to the crown and the medal base.
Add stickers or write a message to create a one-of-a-kind medal.
3D strawberry
Strawberries, with their sweet and refreshing tartness, are one of spring’s seasonal delights.
Their round, plump shape is adorable, too—let’s try expressing strawberries with origami.
Start by folding a triangle, then work through the finer steps to create a three-dimensional strawberry.
If you also make and attach the calyx with origami, it will look even more like a real strawberry.
Creating strawberry crafts can help older adults feel the season as well.
You can make lots and decorate a wall, or take them home to display.
Simple bouquet
Many flowers reach their best viewing season in spring.
It’s also a time when you’ll have more chances to see blossoms in parks and meadows.
Older adults may encounter flowers when they go for a walk, too.
Let’s make a bouquet out of origami that evokes those proudly blooming flowers.
Use origami paper in your favorite colors to fold the flowers for the bouquet.
Since many seniors love flowers, some may find themselves smiling as they create their pieces.
You can hang the finished bouquet on the wall, or take it home and display it there.
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!
Kintaro
On Children’s Day in May, many households display Kintaro dolls.
They are put up with the wish that children will grow up kind and lively like Kintaro.
So for a May origami craft, let’s try folding Kintaro.
If you fold the face, hair, and body with separate sheets of origami paper, you can create a piece that looks just like the real Kintaro.
The folds aren’t very complicated and are simple enough that older adults may also find this project easy to do.
Adding an origami carp streamer to the finished piece or mounting it on a backing board for display will make it look wonderful.