[For Seniors] Let’s Start a Fun Craft Activity
In elderly care facilities and day service centers, craft-based recreation is essential.
Because it involves fine motor movements, it helps with rehabilitation and stimulates the brain.
In this article, we’ve gathered easy and enjoyable craft ideas that older adults can make with minimal effort.
Even those who have never done crafts and lack confidence will find it easy to get started.
Most materials are things you already have at home or can quickly pick up at a dollar store.
If you’re interested in crafts, give them a try!
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[For Seniors] Let's Start Fun Craft Activities (101–110)
Simple summer craft: goldfish wind chime
The summer-perfect craft “Goldfish Wind Chime” is a cool, refreshing activity that even seniors can enjoy.
Cut out the bottom of a round cheese box to make a frame, attach a card case from a 100-yen shop to the inside, and add clear stones or small artificial flowers to create a goldfish-bowl-like, translucent finish.
Adding goldfish decorative stickers instantly brings a summery vibe.
With many steps that use the hands and fingers, the fingertip stimulation can activate the brain and may help prevent cognitive decline.
It’s a highly seasonal piece, perfect for indoor summer recreation.
Art box
Here’s an art box you can enjoy with colorful patterns when placed by a window or in sunlight.
Slice an empty milk carton into rings about 2 centimeters thick and turn them inside out.
Attach tissue paper to one cut edge on one side.
Cut several strips of origami paper, fold or bend them into shapes you like, and glue the tips in place.
Fill the milk carton box with lots of the shaped origami pieces.
Finish by attaching tissue paper to the milk carton’s cut edge.
The fine work of folding origami uses your fingers a lot, so it may also be effective as brain training.
Please place it near a window at the homes of older adults and use it as a decoration.
Kusudama Cube
Making a cube-shaped kusudama with origami is a delightful idea that’s perfect for recreational activities with older adults.
You create many origami units and interlock them like weaving to complete the cube kusudama.
Because it involves fine hand movements and sustained focus, it can help maintain and even improve cognitive function.
The colorful, eye-catching result is also appealing as a decoration after it’s finished.
It’s beginner-friendly, encourages teamwork and conversation, and is an excellent activity for enjoying a relaxed, friendly time together.
Handmade puzzle made of cardboard
Turn your own drawing into a puzzle! Here are some ideas for making a handmade puzzle out of cardboard.
It sounds fun to create a puzzle that’s uniquely yours, doesn’t it? This is a great, enjoyable idea for people who are good at drawing or simply love to draw! What you’ll need: cardboard, drawing paper, glue, paste, a ruler, a pen, a craft knife, clothespins, and more.
Cut up your drawing and it transforms into a puzzle! Adding a frame can also serve as a hint when fitting the pieces together.
Give it a try!
Origami Tangram
Seven pieces in total! Here are some origami tangram ideas.
Let’s make and play with colorful, pop-looking tangrams.
A tangram is a puzzle where you use seven pieces that divide a square to create various shapes.
This time, let’s make one with origami.
You’ll need seven 15 cm square sheets of origami paper and four 7.5 cm square sheets.
We provide clear, careful instructions for folding each part, so follow along and give it a try.
[For Seniors] Let’s Start Fun Craft Activities (111–120)
Coasters made from felt scraps
Coasters made from felt scraps are recommended as a craft activity for seniors.
Simply cut four colors of felt you like and stick them onto a template—it’s easy to do.
The colors you choose will create a coaster that suits your taste, making it a one-of-a-kind, special item.
It’s great for personal use and also makes a lovely gift for someone important.
Because it involves fine handwork, it’s ideal for rehabilitation for seniors.
In addition, discussing how to make them during the process encourages interaction among seniors, making this a highly recommended group craft activity.
Eco basket
Let’s try making an eco basket using advertising flyers or catalogs.
Open one sheet, fold it in half lengthwise, then cut along the fold.
We’ll use 10 sheets this time, so cut all of them the same way.
Following the video, make two wide paper strips and 17 narrow paper strips.
Once the strips are ready, arrange them alternately and weave them together.
After weaving the bottom, use a tissue box or similar item to make crease lines.
Continue weaving the sides, using clothespins to hold things in place.
When you reach the fifth row, cut off any excess and fold it inward.
This activity helps train concentration, making it great for dementia prevention and fine motor exercise.
Why not give it a try?
