[For Seniors] Fun Origami That Also Works as Rehabilitation

Fireworks made with ring decorations

[Paper Chain Craft Idea] Fireworks with Paper Chains! Skyrocket Firework (August Wall Decoration) (Senior Recreation, Day Service, Occupational Therapy OT, Childcare, Paper Chains, Origami, DIY) (Fireworks Wall Decoration in Chinese and Korean)

When it comes to fireworks, they’re a hallmark of summer, aren’t they? The beauty of fireworks bursting across the night sky moves the heart in an indescribable way.

They also stimulate the brains of older adults, which can help prevent dementia.

This time, I’ll introduce a craft: a burst firework made with paper chains.

You create rings out of origami and then combine them to form a firework.

Making the rings involves fine handwork, which provides good stimulation for the brain.

Let’s enjoy the activity together—chatting about fireworks as older adults work side by side.

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Nanaka

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Origami Block Calendar

Reusable every year! Block calendar #origami #myuaka #easy #calendar

There are many different kinds of tear-off calendars, aren’t there? This time, we’ll introduce a project where turning the blocks changes the month and date.

We’ll fold origami to make the blocks.

First, crease the origami paper, then fold it into a box shape.

Because origami uses your fingertips a lot, it can help activate the brain and serve as good finger training.

You’ll combine two box shapes; the trick is to slightly flatten the one that goes inside to make it easier to insert.

Write the days of the week and numbers on them and line them up, and your block calendar is complete.

If you make a stand for the blocks, it will look even nicer.

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Nakajima Junko

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pinwheel

[Craft Origami You Can Play With] How to Make a Well-Spinning Pinwheel with Audio Commentary ☆ Origami Windmill Tutorial

On hot summer days, there are things that make you feel cool, aren’t there? The sound of wind chimes, sprinkling water, and tokoroten jelly are just a few.

A pinwheel might be one of those cool-feeling items too, don’t you think? A pinwheel that spins in a light summer breeze or with a gentle puff of air—watching it whirl around somehow makes you feel cooler and more at ease.

Cut slits in four places on a piece of origami paper and fold the corners toward the center.

The key is to bring the corners to the center without making creases—more like folding them over gently.

Fix the pinwheel with a toothpick and attach it to a straw to finish.

It’s the kind of craft that might even bring back memories for older adults of playing with pinwheels when they were young.

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Nakajima Junko

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happi (traditional Japanese festival coat)

[Summer Origami] How to Fold a Happi Coat with Voice Commentary ☆ Origami Happi Coat Tutorial / Tatsukuri

In August, many facilities probably hold summer festivals, don’t they? Here’s an origami happi coat that’s perfect for indoor summer festival decorations and August wall displays.

You’ll fold it using a single sheet of origami paper.

Some steps are a bit complex, but the finished result looks just like a real happi.

Please try folding it with support from those around you, tailored to the needs of older adults.

On the back of the finished happi, write the character for “festival” (祭) with a black pen, or write it on white paper and paste it on.

That will make it look even more authentic.

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Nakajima Junko

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yukata (summer cotton kimono)

Yukata are one of the iconic sights of summer, and seeing people wearing them evokes a sense of seasonal charm.

They also create a refreshing impression even on hot summer days.

So let’s help seniors feel the spirit of summer by making yukata with origami.

Origami comes in a wide variety of patterns and designs—try using ones unique to origami, such as traditional Japanese motifs or polka dots.

Adding an obi (belt) to the finished yukata will enhance the atmosphere even more.

Choosing the colors for the yukata and the obi is another aspect seniors are likely to enjoy.

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Nakajima Junko

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box of watermelons

Origami Watermelon Box – Easy Folding Method (niceno1) | Tutorial

Watermelon is one of the iconic foods of summer, isn’t it? Many older adults likely have memories of eating watermelon in the summer.

So this time, we’ll introduce an origami project with a watermelon theme: a watermelon box.

We’ll make the flesh part and the rind part with origami.

By separating them, the flesh becomes the lid and the rind becomes the container.

When finished, you’ll have a triangular watermelon box, just like the slice you hold when you eat it.

It can serve as a little trinket box, and if you put some candy inside and give it to your grandchild, they’ll probably be delighted.

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Nakajima Junko

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hibiscus

[Origami] Finger-training 3D hibiscus 🌺

Hibiscus under the hot summer sun.

Wouldn’t it be perfect for an August origami project? Here’s a hibiscus origami craft that almost makes you hear a cheerful “Aloha!” The hibiscus is known for its large, fluttering petals.

You can express this by adding long, narrow creases to the origami when folding the petal sections.

Since it uses a lot of finger movement, it’s also great for brain training and finger dexterity.

Cut the tip of the origami into a curved, petal-like shape.

Create the stamens and pistil in the center, as well as the leaves and stem, attach them to the petals, and you’re done.

It’s a lovely, three-dimensional hibiscus piece.

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Nakajima Junko

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