[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 (1–10)
Torn-paper collage
Chigiri-e (torn-paper collage) is also a popular craft among seniors.
It’s great fun to tear washi paper to create light and dark tones or vary the intensity of colors.
Using your hands and fingertips is good for both the body and the brain, and creating pieces hones your imagination, which is wonderful.
Give it a try and enjoy making a serious, adult-level work of art!
uchiwa (Japanese hand fan)
Paste plain washi paper onto a uchiwa fan, and from there you’re free to design as you like! It’s a simple craft where you just prepare cool motifs like goldfish and flowers and stick them on however you want.
If you also have handmade washi from papermaking, you can do torn-paper collages too.
The big point is that you can enjoy it with complete creative freedom!
candle holder
If you have a moderately sized plastic container, you can turn it into an original candle holder just by decorating it! Attach marbles or similar items to the outside, then fill the gaps between the decorations with resin clay to create a stylish look.
It’s easy because you can decorate it however you like!
[For Seniors] Let’s Start Fun Craft Activities (11–20)
Snow globe making
Here’s a sparkling, beautiful snow globe that shines when you flip it over.
Attach a sponge and a little figurine to the jar lid, then add glitter, sequins, and anything else you like—just have fun with it! After you make it, you can display it in your room or show it to friends and enjoy looking at it, which is a nice bonus, isn’t it?
Plastic-bottle kendama
How about making a kendama using a plastic bottle for the cup, a bottle cap for the ball, and some string? The cup will be wider than a regular kendama, making it easier, so I think older adults can enjoy it too.
Let’s get moving and have fun with kendama like we used to!
Memo stand
This is a cute craft idea that looks just like a cupcake.
All you need are a memo clip, a paper cup, and some clay.
Fill the cup with clay, then simply insert the clip and decorations into the base to finish! Once it’s done, you can also use it as a handy item like a photo stand or a decorative piece for your room.
Felt accessory pouch
Here’s a fun and practical craft you’ll be happy to make.
Let’s create a cute accessory holder by covering a milk carton with felt! Choose and stick on whatever colors and patterns you like to make a one-of-a-kind piece.
Once it’s finished, it’ll be fun to think about what to put inside!