[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)
Snowflake of Flowers
We would like to introduce the idea of “Flower Snow Crystals,” which combine the gentleness of flowers with the beauty of crystals.
This is a three-dimensional craft made with origami.
Layering small parts to complete the piece helps improve concentration, exercises the fingertips, and provides positive stimulation for the brain.
It’s easy for older adults to try, and the sense of achievement and joy upon completion is another appeal.
You can enjoy combining colors, display it as is, or adapt it for wall decorations to brighten up your room’s interior.
It’s a recommended craft you can enjoy making at a calm, leisurely pace.
konpeitō (Japanese sugar candy)
Konpeitō, which lets you enjoy an adorably candy-like shape, is a fun craft to make with origami.
It’s easy for seniors to try, and there’s joy in watching the shape gradually come together as you fold.
The steps aren’t too fine or fiddly, so it’s a gentle way to keep hands moving.
The finished konpeitō has a charming, plump look, and changing the colors can shift the mood, making it versatile for garlands or ornaments—there are many ways to enjoy them as room decorations.
It’s easy to start, gives a sense of accomplishment, and is also recommended as a recreational activity in senior facilities.
uchiwa (Japanese hand fan)
To help you stay energized through the hot summer, here’s an idea for making a “uchiwa” fan out of origami.
Since it’s made only with origami paper, it’s safe and easy—no tools required, which is a nice bonus.
Using colorful, traditional Japanese patterned paper gives it a cool look and a seasonal feel.
The process of folding it into a fan shape also exercises the fingers and may help stimulate the brain.
The finished fan makes a charming summer decoration.
It’s also recommended as a recreational activity in senior care facilities, so please give it a try!
shaved ice
How about some delicious-looking shaved ice you can make from a single sheet of origami paper? To give the shaved ice a cool feel, you can use tie-dyed origami for the body.
First, fold the paper into a triangle in half, then fold it in half again.
If you think from the finished shape, the remaining steps are surprisingly simple.
And partway through, you actually tear the origami—rip, rip—and the torn edge becomes the pointed tip of the shaved ice, which is a clever twist.
Let’s also make a spoon-straw out of origami and stick it in.
Try making shaved ice in a variety of colors.
For Seniors: Enjoyable Origami That Also Serves as Rehabilitation (61–70)
sunflower
When you think of summer flowers, big sunflowers come to mind, don’t they? How about trying to fold a sunflower out of origami? With a quarter-size sheet of origami paper, you can make two petals.
Make four of these and you’ll have enough for one sunflower.
Use brown origami paper to create the center of the flower.
Then make the leaves and stem.
Make as many leaves as you like.
Once all the parts are ready, assemble them to complete the sunflower.
You can display it as is, or paste it onto colored paper for a nice seasonal touch.
If you want more petals, you can simply attach additional origami pieces to the back.
Plump, three-dimensional wind chime
Here, we’ll introduce a three-dimensional wind chime made easily with origami.
Prepare two standard 15 cm square sheets of origami.
Fold one sheet into quarters to make a smaller square, then cut it out as if using a template.
When it forms a flower shape with four petals, thread a string through the hole in the center, apply glue to the outer edges, and stick them together.
Cut the other sheet in half, fold each half once, thread a string through, and glue it.
That’s it—finished.
A cool-looking wind chime really evokes the feeling of summer, doesn’t it?
beetle (specifically, a rhinoceros beetle)
When it comes to summer, the insect kids long for most is probably the rhinoceros beetle.
It’s a bit complicated, but it looks really cool when finished, so give it a try.
First, divide a sheet of origami paper into four equal parts, use one piece for the body, and make the horn at half that size.
Then divide the remaining half into three to make the legs.
If you twist the paper to form the legs, they’ll look more realistic.
Assemble and glue the parts together to finish.
Try making a female rhinoceros beetle without a horn, too.