[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] Fun Origami That Also Works as Rehabilitation (51–60)
Mini mini kusudama made with 4 cm origami paper
Here’s a kusudama made from small origami that we especially recommend for seniors who are skilled at origami.
The paper size is 4 cm.
Combine parts made with this paper size to create a mini kusudama.
Many kusudama units involve detailed folding.
When using smaller paper, you’ll use your fingertips even more dexterously.
If the senior enjoys origami, they’ll likely be able to focus and work on it intently.
With a slightly higher level of difficulty, they should feel an even greater sense of accomplishment when it’s finished.
kusudama ornament
Here’s an introduction to making a kusudama ornament out of origami.
During the Christmas season, ornaments are hung on trees and around the house, right? Depending on the design, ornaments can create a fun and festive atmosphere.
You can use either origami paper or construction paper.
Cut the paper into a circle and fold it several times.
Make five creases on the circular piece.
Of those five creases, apply glue to two of them, fold the piece in half with the glued creases on the inside.
Make 20 of these parts, then connect the parts by applying glue to the other three crease areas (the ones without glue) and attaching them together.
Once all the parts are assembled, you’ll have a charming ornament with a mesh-like pattern.
Since this involves steps beyond folding—like using scissors and glue—it offers plenty of hand and finger activity, making it suitable for older adults as well.
A kusudama that bursts open like a flower blooming in an instant.
Let me introduce a kusudama that looks like it’s made of connected flowers.
It’s a gorgeous and cute piece, perfect for hanging as a decoration for the Peach Festival, and you can even arrange it into a kusudama bouquet.
Using a single sheet of origami, you fold both the petals and the parts that resemble stamens and pistils at the center of the flower.
Combine five of these units to complete one flower.
Even on its own, it makes an adorable origami flower.
Apply glue near the tips of the petals and connect the flowers to form the kusudama.
It really looks like a ball of blooming flowers, and I think even older adults would enjoy seeing the finished piece.
Sonobe-style kusudama
Here is a kusudama made using the Sonobe-style unit, devised by Japanese modular origami artist Mitsunobu Sonobe.
First, modular origami is a technique in which you fold multiple identical paper parts and assemble them to create geometric works.
Since the parts are all folded in the same way, once you learn it, the folding itself should be easy.
The assembly, however, requires some tips and may feel challenging for some older adults.
Please have those around them offer support tailored to their needs and try making it together.
By changing the number of parts and how you combine them, you can create works other than kusudama as well, so why not give it a try?
For Seniors: Enjoyable Origami That Also Serves as Rehabilitation (61–70)
Kusudama making with origami
When you look at an origami kusudama, you can’t help but be captivated by its beautiful form, can you? Among older adults, there are surely people who want to fold kusudama or who simply enjoy making them.
Kusudama often feature bright colors and shapes that seem difficult to create.
That’s because they use many parts made from multiple sheets of origami paper.
When making the parts, folding several sheets together at once may make the process easier.
The key is to fold even the finer sections in batches.
Try creating a wonderful piece together with older adults in whatever way is easiest to fold.
Sakura Kusudama
Here’s a sakura kusudama that’s also great for a spring craft activity.
Cherry blossoms are at their best from March to April.
Seasonal flower crafts can help older adults feel the changing seasons.
There are various ways to make a sakura kusudama with origami.
It might be fun to look for a design you’d like to make together with older adults.
Many origami petals are quite delicate in their construction.
For older adults who enjoy origami, this could be a project they can create while having fun.
Once it’s finished, adding a pearl to the center of the cherry blossoms or attaching streamers will make it look even more beautiful.
Bubble Kusudama
Here’s an idea for a three-dimensional craft called the “Bubble Kusudama,” loved for its round and soft form.
It’s a vibrant 3D piece made by assembling many parts.
Although it involves a lot of fine work, you can enjoy it without strain by taking your time and proceeding carefully step by step.
Moving your hands provides finger exercise and helps maintain concentration.
The finished kusudama has a light, airy look, as if bubbles have gathered together, and it will brighten up your room as a decoration.
Changing the color of the origami gives it a completely different feel, so try making several in your favorite colors.
