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[For Seniors] Have Fun Making Things Based on Today’s Mood! Today’s Recommended Craft
There are so many types of craft activities that it can be hard to decide what to do.
For staff, planning in the midst of a busy schedule often leads to similar content over and over—many of you may share this concern.
This article is for those people.
We introduce recommended crafts that change daily!
Since the content is updated every day, you’re sure to find a favorite.
Please use it as a reference and enjoy a fun crafting time with older adults.
[For Seniors] Let’s have fun making things that match today’s mood! Today’s recommended crafts (1–10)
carp-streamer ornamentNEW!
This is a small tabletop koinobori ornament that lets you enjoy the spirit of May anytime.
Let’s build the base using wood-like craft materials you can get at a 100-yen shop: an MDF board, felt, bamboo skewers, and toothpicks.
Use an awl to make small holes in the MDF board and secure the bamboo skewers and toothpicks.
Make a ring with craft band, and create three carp streamers using patterned origami and colored paper.
Also make a spinning ball with craft band, and an iris flower and a samurai helmet with origami; attach each to the bamboo skewers and toothpicks to finish.
It doesn’t take up much space, so it’s perfect for displaying in the homes of older adults or in rooms at care facilities.
Since there’s a lot of fine work involved, it’s recommended for people who enjoy crafting.
Koinobori chopstick sleeveNEW!
This is a craft for making koi-nobori chopstick sleeves that you can gently incorporate into everyday life.
Stack white and gold origami together for the sleeve, slightly offset, and fold them as one.
Aim to have just a hint of the gold peeking out from the white.
Fold the koi-nobori using one quarter of a 7.5 cm square sheet of origami.
Fold the black carp, the red carp, and the baby carp, and make the pole from origami as well, then attach them to the chopstick sleeve.
It’s very detailed work, so it helps improve finger dexterity and concentration, making it great for dementia prevention too.
It’s an idea that makes not only the crafting time but also mealtime enjoyable.
Tabletop kadomatsu
https://www.tiktok.com/@yuumaama2022/video/7176043224207822081Let’s make a tabletop kadomatsu (traditional New Year’s pine decoration) using a milk carton.
We’ll place decorative elements that form the kadomatsu inside pieces cut from the carton.
There are detailed steps such as folding origami or construction paper and cutting short lengths of plastic ribbon.
Because it uses fine motor skills extensively, it can stimulate the brain and may offer brain-training benefits.
It’s also a project that can help improve concentration.
Starting from a simple milk carton and building it up into a splendid kadomatsu is likely to delight older adults as well.
Totoro tear-off calendar
https://www.instagram.com/p/Coq38xXpM4Y/Totoro comes in various sizes and is fluffy.
The work featuring Totoro, My Neighbor Totoro, has been broadcast on TV many times, so even among older adults, there are likely people who know it.
With that in mind, we’d like to introduce a tear-off daily calendar themed around Totoro.
Make Totoro out of construction paper and attach it to the calendar.
For the date portion of the daily calendar, items associated with Totoro—like acorns—would be nice.
If there are older adults who aren’t familiar with Totoro, why not chat about Totoro with them while you make it together?
A countdown tear-off calendar to your goals and fun events
https://www.instagram.com/p/DEwA9byPBxb/Many senior care facilities hold seasonal events and activities, don’t they? There are likely older adults who look forward to these events, thinking, “Is it time yet?” That’s why I recommend a countdown tear-off calendar.
You can count down the days to an event or activity by turning a page each day.
If you write the final day’s goal on the calendar, it may make people look forward to flipping each page.
Using washi (masking) tape to flip the date cards is also convenient.
A daily tear-off calendar made with everyday materials
https://www.instagram.com/p/CnQsQ2ULkXy/Here’s an introduction to a daily tear-off calendar you can make with everyday materials.
You can put leftover construction paper from craft activities or odd fabric scraps to good use.
Create month and date cards out of construction paper or cardstock.
As for the leftover fabric, why not use it to cover the calendar’s base? A daily calendar you make yourself can inspire affection, especially among older adults, and they may enjoy turning the pages.
Plus, flipping the calendar uses the fingertips, making it a helpful exercise for seniors’ fine motor skills.
digital number(s)
A handmade flip calendar that uses “digital-style numerals” is highly legible for older adults and makes the date easy to see—a major advantage.
The bold, clear numbers are easy to read even for those with vision concerns, providing reassurance in daily life.
Its modern, clean design blends naturally with a room’s decor and makes changing the date enjoyable.
Simply looking at the numbers helps reinforce awareness of the date, which can also support maintaining a daily routine.
It’s a practical, cleverly designed handmade item that adds color to everyday life.
