Lovely senior life

[For Seniors] Handmade Tanabata Decorations: Easy Recreation Activity

Work experience in a hospital as a physical therapistNakamū
I worked as a physical therapist at a general hospital for about four years. I’ve supported a wide range of patients, from those needing emergency rehabilitation to those doing rehabilitation at home at a comfortable pace. As a writer, I’d be happy to share health-related information with many people. Thank you, and I look forward to working with you!

Tanabata is one of the most seasonally rich events.

For older adults, writing wishes on tanzaku strips and making decorations by hand becomes a precious time to enjoy while reminiscing about the past.

In this article, we introduce easy and safe ways to make Tanabata decorations and recreation ideas that can be easily incorporated in nursing homes and day-service centers.

They require little preparation and naturally encourage conversation, so please consider using them as one of your recreational activities!

[For Seniors] DIY Tanabata Decorations: Simple Recreational Activities (11–20)

Tanabata-style calendar

[Creating the 2021 Calendar] July

Tanabata-style calendar

This time, we’ll introduce a July calendar craft centered on Tanabata, the July festival.

Many of you may be thinking, “I want to make a handmade calendar.” There are various calendar-making kits available for purchase.

A kit featuring bamboo branches decorated for Tanabata is especially handy.

If you use a craft knife to cut out the bamboo leaves on the double-layered calendar base, you’ll get a three-dimensional finish.

And of course, be sure to add tanzaku—wish strips imbued with the feelings of the seniors—onto the bamboo.

Including tanzaku will help you create a calendar with a unique, personal touch.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

Adult tanzaku decorations

Tanabata Adult Tanzaku Decorations [Easy Craft] [100-Yen Shop DIY] [Tanabata Craft] #100yen #DIY #DAISO #recreation #dayservice #seniors #craft #easy #Tanabata

Adult tanzaku decorations

This is a recommended craft for older adults that lets you enjoy the spirit of Tanabata while using your fingertips.

Cut origami paper into bamboo leaf shapes and paste them in a balanced way onto a circular piece of construction paper.

Adjust and place mizuhiki cords so they fit within the paper to create a traditional Japanese atmosphere.

Combine patterned origami with white paper to make tanzaku strips, write wishes on them, then thread them onto chenille stems to bring the whole piece together.

The finished work has a calm color palette that looks beautiful on display, and the textures of washi and mizuhiki give it an elegant feel.

It can also spark conversations about memories of Tanabata from the past, making it perfect for indoor summer recreation.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

Sasa bamboo and tanzaku

[Craft Idea] Sasa bamboo — small bamboo ~papercraft~ (July Tanabata) (wall decoration) (tanzaku wish strips) (recreation for seniors) (early childhood/educational) (super easy) (creative) (psychiatric OT) (Psychiatric Occupational Therapy)

Sasa bamboo and tanzaku

For Tanabata wall decorations, bamboo branches and tanzaku (wish strips) are highly recommended.

Real bamboo can be hard to get, so make simple versions to enjoy the Tanabata mood.

After making bamboo from construction paper or origami, cut origami paper into long, narrow strips to use as tanzaku and have the older adults write their wishes on them.

If you stick the wish-filled tanzaku around the paper bamboo, your Tanabata scene is complete.

Encourage the older adults to read not only their own wishes but also those of others around them, and let that spark lively conversation.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

In conclusion

Handmaking Tanabata decorations is a fun recreation that refreshes both mind and body as you work with your hands, feel the season, and share your wishes. There are no difficult steps, and with a few simple ideas, conversation and smiles arise naturally. Please use the ideas introduced here to enjoy a memorable Tanabata time together with your participants.