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[For Seniors] Enjoy Something New Every Day! Today’s Origami
Origami, which lets you easily give shape to the things you love, really feels like a dream, doesn’t it?
What should I make with this patterned origami paper?
Just thinking about it makes me excited.
And if you display the pieces you make on the wall or place them as interior decor, many people will likely feel warmth and a sense of calm.
In this article, we introduce “Today’s Recommended Origami.”
We update the content daily, so you can enjoy a variety of creations every day.
Please use this article as a reference and enjoy a wonderful time with older adults!
[For Seniors] Enjoy a Different Craft Every Day! Today’s Origami (1–10)
Decorative celebratory crane
Cranes have long been regarded as symbols of longevity and peace, and they’ve become a beloved, classic motif for celebratory occasions.
Origami cranes—known as “celebration cranes”—make perfect decorations for Respect-for-the-Aged Day.
We’ll fold them using reversible crepe paper you can buy at a 100-yen shop.
The folding process is the same as a standard crane up to a certain point, so it may be easy for older adults to try.
When you open the wings, the gold interior appears, creating a gorgeous celebration crane.
Attach it to a coaster and add decorations with a fan or clay to finish.
Spiral bouquet
A spiral bouquet made with origami and drinking straws can create a bright, festive atmosphere for celebrations.
Why not use vibrant origami paper to celebrate Respect for the Aged Day? Cut off the flexible tip of a bendy straw and make 4–5 slits.
Make the flowers using origami paper that’s one-quarter the standard size.
Create four parts, round off the petal edges on each, then crease them to form an accordion fold.
Attach them into the slits on the straw, and then add the remaining accordion-folded parts to finish.
It’s an easy method, but it requires delicate work, making it a great recommendation for recreational activities for seniors.
Colorful garland
Colorful garlands are items that instantly brighten the atmosphere just by being displayed.
Let’s decorate with garlands to celebrate Respect for the Aged Day! Fold several sheets of origami into accordions and combine them.
To make them easy to hang, attach small pieces to the ends, and you’re done.
Choosing color combinations is where your sense of style shines.
The method is very simple, so it should be fun to make together with seniors.
Add origami flowers and other decorations to enhance the festive mood for Respect for the Aged Day!
Two-tone fan crane
The red-and-white fan crane is a perfect motif for celebrations.
How about making it together with seniors as an item to liven up Respect-for-the-Aged Day? After folding a red sheet of origami paper in half twice, make a cut in the center.
Fold along the cut and create an accordion fold.
Use the other side to fold the crane.
From here, the work becomes more detailed, but the steps are the same as folding a standard crane.
When making the second one, change the color or reverse the front and back before folding.
Combine the two pieces to complete the fan crane.
The fine movements in origami help exercise seniors’ fingers and provide good stimulation for the brain.
Let’s all make them and enhance the atmosphere for Respect-for-the-Aged Day.
Folding fans and paper fans
On Respect for the Aged Day, which comes once a year, you’ll want to brighten the atmosphere with festive decorations.
Why not make fan and paper fan decorations that are perfect for the occasion? The steps are simple, so older adults can enjoy making them easily.
You’ll need patterned and plain origami paper, plus some string.
Glue the patterned and plain sheets together, then accordion-fold them.
Fold the strip in half and glue the center to hold it, and combine two folded pieces to complete a hand fan.
If you combine two of those fans, you’ll have a paper rosette! It’s a very easy craft, but it uses the fingertips a lot, making it great finger exercise for seniors.
Try making them with your favorite patterns!
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.
shaved ice
Shaved ice topped with syrups like strawberry, melon, or Blue Hawaii.
Shaved ice on a hot day is something special, isn’t it? In senior care facilities, older adults may also enjoy shaved ice during summer festivals or as a snack.
Here’s an origami shaved ice craft that perfectly fits the summer vibe.
Since there are few small folds and the steps are simple, many seniors should find it approachable.
After folding the shaved ice with origami, use pens to color it as if you’re pouring your favorite syrup.
You can also customize the cup part that holds the shaved ice by drawing patterns or adding stickers.
