[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 (11–20)
Cute dog origami
This is a cute, three-dimensional dog mascot in a “down” pose, lying on the ground with only its head lifted.
The face and body parts are made separately using the same color, and the whole body is completed by assembling them at the end.
A key point is to make crisp, precise folds to create the dog’s rounded form.
Once you draw the expression on the face part, it’s done—you can use stickers, or have fun drawing your own expression with a pen.
When decorating, pay close attention to the cute facial features and the angles of the head and limbs.
Shuriken Origami
Let’s combine two sheets of origami in different colors to make a classic ninja item: the shuriken.
You’ll create parts with twisted, sharpened tips, then stack and align them to complete the shuriken.
Because the color contrast really stands out in this craft, be particular about your choice of origami paper and finish it with your own design.
It’s great for encouraging fine finger movements and concentration during the folding steps, and it’s also recommended as a target-throwing tool to help build arm strength.
Origami vase
This origami vase is recommended for anyone who loves flowers.
It’s perfect for displaying paper flowers you’ve made or artificial flowers! Its rounded shape is super cute, so why not give it a try? There aren’t any particularly difficult steps, but if you make crisp creases as you fold, you’ll end up with a nicely shaped, beautiful vase.
You can use your favorite colors or patterns of origami paper, and double-sided origami will also look great.
It makes a lovely little gift, so you can share them with friends and family, too.
Origami Box
This is a simple square box made with origami.
Because the pattern of the origami paper shows clearly on the outside, choosing the right paper is an important point.
The size of the box changes with the size of the paper, so it might be good to pick the paper size to match what you want to put inside.
Make crisp creases and fold along them, aiming for precise folds that keep the white back side from showing.
Since the key is to fold accurately along the creases, this activity enhances fine finger movements and concentration on the creases.
Origami Japanese-style Decoration: Crane and Fan
Let’s combine origami and washi paper to make a crane and a folding fan.
First, fold the origami paper in half, then accordion-fold it, keeping the spacing evenly aligned as you go.
When creating a folding screen shape, vary the sizes and adjust where you make the halfway fold to achieve the look.
A key tip is to position the washi pattern on top so it remains visible.
Fold a crane using a quarter-size piece of origami paper, and finish by attaching plum blossoms around it.
Mizuhiki, which enhances a traditional Japanese atmosphere, is perfect for celebrations and festive occasions.
Give it a try!
Horse face made from a single sheet of origami paper
An origami horse you can make with a single sheet of origami paper and round stickers is a craft that seniors can easily try.
This video carefully explains a very simple folding method, so even those who aren’t confident with origami can do it.
Fold with the plain side facing inward.
You’ll need scissors or a craft knife to cut the forelock, so please handle sharp tools with care.
Once the face is folded, stick on a black round sticker for the eye and draw the nose with a pen to finish.
Have everyone choose their favorite color of paper and create a one-of-a-kind horse!
[For Seniors] Fun Origami That Also Serves as Rehabilitation (21–30)
goldfish wind chime
On hot summer days, hearing the tinkling sound of wind chimes—“chirin, chirin”—can make the heat feel more bearable.
Many older adults may also associate wind chimes with the image of summer.
With that in mind, here’s a perfect summer craft: a goldfish wind chime.
The goldfish will be made with origami.
Because the goldfish has a three-dimensional finish, attach it to the bell portion of the wind chime and add a tanzaku (paper strip).
If you also attach a small bell, you’ll hear a gentle sound every time the wind blows.
Older adults may find it novel that you can make a wind chime out of origami.
