For Seniors: Fun, Energetic Ways to Beat the Summer! Origami Idea Roundup
Summer events like festivals and the opening of beach season excite both adults and children, but when the peak of summer arrives, many older adults choose to stay indoors due to the intense heat.
In senior care facilities as well, people tend to spend more time inside.
Even in a cool indoor environment, why not try origami activities that evoke the feeling of summer? Folding motifs like yukata, fireworks, and shaved ice may bring back fond memories of summers past.
Enjoy a wonderful crafting time while sharing those delightful stories from long ago.
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- [For Seniors] Handmade Summer Greeting Cards: A Collection of Lovely Summer Motifs
- [For Seniors] Perfect for June: Introducing simple origami projects
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- [Recreation] Summary of Recommended Origami Ideas for Seniors
- [For Care Facilities] Let’s Enjoy the Summer! A Collection of Wall Decoration Ideas
- [For Seniors] Summer Wall Decorations: A Collection of Fun, Eye-Catching Motifs
- [For Seniors] Fun Origami That Also Works as Rehabilitation
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- Easy origami that delights the elderly. Enjoy a heart-lifting time with seasonal origami.
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[For Seniors] Have a Fun, Energetic Summer! Origami Ideas Roundup (11–20)
Simple goldfish
Though origami goldfish may sound difficult, this version is relatively easy to make.
To briefly explain the steps: start by folding a kabuto (samurai helmet), which is a popular and commonly folded model, and stop partway through.
Turn it sideways and squash-fold it.
Make a small cut where the fins will be, then reverse-fold that section to finish.
Try using colors that resemble real goldfish, like red, orange, or black.
It’s also fun to let them “swim” on blue construction paper, or cut strips of origami to make algae and stick them on a glass window for a cool, refreshing look.
Goldfish made with origami
Here’s an idea for making a goldfish using two sheets of origami paper.
If you use 15 cm paper, the goldfish will turn out quite large, so if you want to make a smaller one, cut the paper into quarters and use that.
With the first sheet, make the goldfish’s head and body, as well as the dorsal and pectoral fins.
With the second sheet, make the decorative tail fin.
Basically, you’ll create creases and fold along them, but for the tail fin you’ll need to open up the pockets to squash them and fold the edges narrowly, so proceed carefully.
Once both parts are finished, attach them together, add the eyes, and you’re done.
A folding screen ornament with goldfish motifs
Here’s an introduction to a goldfish folding screen decoration that you can display in your room once it’s finished.
We’ll make goldfish out of origami.
You can fold the goldfish, or simply cut them out in a goldfish shape—either works.
Using origami paper with traditional Japanese patterns or other designs will make it look even nicer.
If you make slits and creases in the construction paper that will become the folding screen, you can create a more design-forward piece.
Attach the goldfish to the screen and it’s complete.
Just placing it in your room will let you feel a refreshing coolness from the goldfish.
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.
Making wind chimes
Here are some wind chime craft ideas to make your indoor summer time more enjoyable.
Prepare origami paper and string.
Fold the origami paper in half twice to make a square, draw a 7 cm diameter circle with a compass, and cut it out with scissors.
You should have four circular pieces; fold each one in half with the patterned side inside.
Stack the four folded pieces and glue them together, then trim about 1 cm from the bottom—this will be the outer part of the wind chime.
From another sheet of origami, make a rectangular strip (tanzaku) and attach a thread to it.
Glue the other end of the thread to the center of the outer part, then glue the outer part’s edges together to finish.
windsock garland
In July, many senior care facilities hold Tanabata events and activities, don’t they? Here’s a perfect decor idea for indoor Tanabata celebrations: a streamer garland.
Let’s make star shapes out of origami to evoke the Milky Way of Tanabata.
You’ll fold the paper first, then cut it to create the shapes.
Using fluffy tissue paper, you’ll make the weaving threads.
Incidentally, the streamers are said to represent the weaving threads of Orihime.
Because of this, streamers are imbued with wishes for improvement in weaving skills and for warding off evil.
Why not try making them with older adults while sprinkling in a bit of Tanabata trivia? It’s a fun activity that moves the hands and broadens knowledge at the same time.
For Seniors: Enjoy a Lively Summer! Origami Idea Collection (21–30)
How to fold an origami morning glory
Morning glories made by folding origami are a classic, senior-friendly craft that engages the hands while letting you enjoy colors and shapes.
Using purple or blue origami paper, you simply fold and open to create a softly rounded, spring-like form.
For the finishing touch, cut white origami paper into a star shape and paste it in the center to highlight the morning glory look.
The completed flowers can be displayed in a row on the wall or used as hanging decorations, offering plenty of ways to enjoy them.
This seasonal recreation lets you fold, look at, and decorate with a nostalgic summer flower.