[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 Works as Rehabilitation (31–40)
Folding fans and paper fans
On Respect for the Aged Day, which comes once a year, you’ll want to brighten the atmosphere with festive decorations.
Why not make fan and paper fan decorations that are perfect for the occasion? The steps are simple, so older adults can enjoy making them easily.
You’ll need patterned and plain origami paper, plus some string.
Glue the patterned and plain sheets together, then accordion-fold them.
Fold the strip in half and glue the center to hold it, and combine two folded pieces to complete a hand fan.
If you combine two of those fans, you’ll have a paper rosette! It’s a very easy craft, but it uses the fingertips a lot, making it great finger exercise for seniors.
Try making them with your favorite patterns!
Decorative celebratory crane
Cranes have long been regarded as symbols of longevity and peace, and they’ve become a beloved, classic motif for celebratory occasions.
Origami cranes—known as “celebration cranes”—make perfect decorations for Respect-for-the-Aged Day.
We’ll fold them using reversible crepe paper you can buy at a 100-yen shop.
The folding process is the same as a standard crane up to a certain point, so it may be easy for older adults to try.
When you open the wings, the gold interior appears, creating a gorgeous celebration crane.
Attach it to a coaster and add decorations with a fan or clay to finish.
streamer-style kusudama
Here’s an introduction to a streamer-style kusudama with a charming, temari-like roundness.
When making a kusudama out of origami, there are some models that require very fine folds.
Many have complex folding methods, so some older adults might find making origami kusudama challenging.
But if you cut the origami and assemble the kusudama parts by gluing them, it may be easier for some to try.
Once your kusudama is complete, make streamers from string or origami and decorate it.
Using patterned or printed origami for the kusudama and streamers creates pieces with different moods depending on the paper you choose.
It’s also recommended as a Tanabata decoration.
Peach blossom made from a single sheet of origami
Introducing a craft idea that lets you feel the arrival of warm spring: “A Peach Blossom Made from a Single Sheet of Origami Paper.” It’s easy to make with just one sheet of origami, yet the softly opened petals look charming and add a bright, springlike touch.
Choose a gentle pink paper for a soothing finish that’s delightful to look at.
No tools or special skills are required, and the delicate, finger-based steps can also help with hand rehabilitation and improving concentration.
This is a recommended craft you can use to decorate your room or for seasonal wall displays.
rapeseed blossoms
If you make one of spring’s representative flowers, the rapeseed blossom (nanohana), with origami, you can enjoy a spring atmosphere indoors.
By folding the small yellow petals and combining them with green leaves, you’ll have a cute, three-dimensional nanohana.
The steps are simple, making it easy for older adults to try, and it’s also effective for finger dexterity and improving concentration.
We recommend displaying the finished nanohana on a wall or exhibiting it as a spring craft.
Why not enjoy a fun crafting time while feeling the season?
[For Seniors] Fun Origami That Also Serves as Rehabilitation (41–50)
ribbon bookmark
A ribbon bookmark made from a single sheet of origami paper is a cute item that will have people asking, “How did you make that?” Fold it so the patterned side ends up on the outside as you go.
Up to a certain point, the steps are the same as making a crane, so if you’ve folded a crane before, you may find it easier.
Because it includes some fine-motor steps, it’s great for finger rehabilitation and exercise for older adults.
The ribbon shape may look difficult, but once you understand the folds, it’s easy to make—so give it a try!
Triangle Bookmark
If you’re looking for an easy, quick-to-make bookmark, this is it! It’s a triangular bookmark made from origami.
Place the patterned side of the origami on the outside and fold it twice into a square.
Leave one layer unsealed at the opening of the square, and fold the rest inward together.
You can leave it as is, or fold the remaining single layer in from the opposite side to make a simple triangle—highly recommended.
The size of the bookmark changes depending on the size of the origami paper, so you can enjoy customizing it.
Attach it to a notebook and it can double as a pocket, too.
It’s very easy, so try folding it with your favorite patterned origami paper!