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.
- [For Seniors] July-Themed Origami: A Collection of Fun Ideas
- [For Seniors] August-Themed Origami: Simple Ideas to Try
- [For Seniors] Have Fun with Recreation! Origami Ideas
- [For Seniors] Handmade Summer Greeting Cards: A Collection of Lovely Summer Motifs
- [For Seniors] Perfect for June: Introducing simple origami projects
- [For Seniors] Enjoy the Hot Summer to the Fullest! A Collection of Easy Craft Ideas
- [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
- [For Seniors] Enjoy and Beat the Summer Heat! July Craft Ideas
- Easy origami that delights the elderly. Enjoy a heart-lifting time with seasonal origami.
- [For Seniors] Enjoy Summer to the Fullest! Fun Summer-Only Activities Introduced
For Seniors: Enjoy a Lively Summer! Origami Idea Collection (21–30)
Tanabata Wreath Made with Origami
We’d like to introduce a Tanabata wreath you can make with origami.
When you hear “Tanabata,” what do you think of? Orihime and Hikoboshi, stars, bamboo? Let’s fold origami based on those Tanabata images and attach them to a wreath.
There are many origami designs for Orihime and Hikoboshi, ranging from simple to intricate.
An origami wreath is made by combining identical wreath components.
It seems like a lovely activity to do with older adults while reminiscing about Tanabata memories.
Fireworks paper cutting
When you watch fireworks, many of you probably feel your daily fatigue just blow away.
The loud booms echo alongside the beautiful silhouettes floating in the night sky, giving you an indescribable sense of exhilaration.
This time, let’s express those fireworks as paper cutouts.
All you need is origami paper and scissors.
Simply fold the paper and make a few cuts to create the fireworks silhouettes.
Paste them onto construction paper, and you’ll have a lovely fireworks scene.
Hang it on the wall, and it becomes a perfect piece to enjoy the summer.
[For Seniors] Enjoy and Stay Energetic Through Summer! Origami Idea Collection (31–40)
Fireworks made with ring decorations
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.
Morning glory hanging ornament
The “Morning Glory Hanging Decoration” is a summertime ornament for seniors that’s fun to look at and sways with a cool, breezy feel.
Attach origami morning glory flowers, leaves, and buds to twine or similar string, then connect several pieces vertically.
Create a base at the top by crossing bamboo skewers to hang it, and it’s done.
You can choose a single flower color or combine multiple colors—either way, the refreshing palette instantly heightens the summer mood.
The gently swaying decoration is pleasing to the eye and quickly transforms any spot where it’s hung into a seasonally themed space.
It’s a simple craft that lets you focus and have fun while moving your fingers.
lantern decorations
We’re pleased to introduce a perfect idea for summer wall decorations in care facilities: “Lantern Decorations.” They’re easy to make with brightly colored origami paper, so even those who aren’t confident with crafts can join in.
By cutting slits and gently puffing them into a rounded shape, you can create a three-dimensional finish that’s fun to look at.
String them together with paper twine or cord and hang them up, and the facility will instantly transform into a summer festival setting! The space becomes more vibrant, and residents’ expressions are sure to brighten.
It’s a popular wall decoration that makes it easy to bring in a sense of the season.
An ornament of a morning glory and a watering can
Here’s a recommended idea for a summer craft to make at a day service center: “Morning Glories and a Watering Can” ornaments.
Create the morning glories using double-sided origami paper and washi (thin calligraphy paper) for a colorful yet gentle finish.
For the pot, edge a paper cup with paper cord and add paper-straw supports to give it a three-dimensional look.
The watering can uses a kitchen paper or toilet paper roll for the body, with a paper straw inserted as the spout.
Since all the materials are paper, it’s safe to make.
The finished piece is a cheerful work that also makes a delightful summer interior decoration.
swim ring
We get more chances to go to the pool or the beach in summer, don’t we? Watching people bob around in the water with floaties under the blazing sun makes you feel cool just looking at them.
So let’s make a swim ring out of origami.
The size of the ring will change depending on the size of the paper you use.
If you make it in a larger size, you can even create a base for a wreath shaped like a swim ring.
Make the parts of the ring using both the colored side and the white side of the paper.
Some parts require fine folds, but since you’ll be making several identical pieces, it becomes easy once you learn the steps.
Insert the parts into each other to complete the swim ring.
If you add origami animals or children to the ring, it will turn out super cute.