[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.
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.
A basket of daisies
Daisies are striking for the way they bloom in a variety of colors, and their colorful appearance really conveys the exhilaration of spring.
This craft features a basket filled with daisy flowers, appealing for its colorful and playful look.
The key is how to make the daisies: fold a strip of origami paper in half, make slits, then roll it up and finally shape it into a flower.
As you carefully spread out the petals, the daisy becomes three-dimensional.
By varying the size and how much you spread the petals, and arranging a range of colors, you can achieve an even more vibrant result.
Poppy
Poppies, which bloom from spring to summer, are also known as hinageshi or gubijinsō, and they produce colorful, round, and charming flowers.
This craft aims to create poppies that feel like the joy of spring, making them look three-dimensional as if they’re popping out from the backing paper.
You cut origami into petal shapes and assemble them into a flower, layering the pieces after making slits to give the flower a three-dimensional form.
Once the petal outline is done, place yellow in the center, and finally combine it so it looks like it’s blooming from the stem and leaf pieces attached to the backing paper, and you’re finished.
In conclusion
It was the kind of project that might even bring back memories of folding paper from childhood for older adults! You can use the finished piece to play games with others, or take it home and put it to practical use.
Focusing on the detailed steps helps calm the mind and is said to help prevent dementia.
Please use origami creations to help improve the quality of life for older adults.