[For Seniors] Enjoyable Brain Training! Recommended Origami for February
How about enjoying origami indoors, where it’s warm, in February when the chill still lingers?
Many senior facilities incorporate origami into their recreational activities.
The process of folding—using your fingertips for mountain and valley folds—helps train fine motor skills.
Also, thinking through the folding steps, changing orientation for the next move, and similar mental tasks stimulate the brain and can help prevent cognitive decline.
Finished pieces can be displayed around the facility or in one’s own room for visual enjoyment.
Origami is an activity that provides a sense of accomplishment when completed.
With origami themed around February, enjoy a pleasant time while feeling the season.
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[For Seniors] Fun Brain Training! Recommended Origami for February (11–20)
Heart wall hanging
These heart-shaped wall decorations made from origami are great for finger dexterity training and brain exercises for seniors.
Since the origami paper is cut into fine strips, it’s especially recommended for those who are good at detailed work! To make the hearts, cut the paper into thin strips and curl them by pulling them along the edge of scissors.
Create lots of these curled pieces, then connect and layer them to transform them into stylish wall decor.
It’s also perfect for group activities at day service centers, so give it a try!
Snowflake of Flowers
We would like to introduce the idea of “Flower Snow Crystals,” which combine the gentleness of flowers with the beauty of crystals.
This is a three-dimensional craft made with origami.
Layering small parts to complete the piece helps improve concentration, exercises the fingertips, and provides positive stimulation for the brain.
It’s easy for older adults to try, and the sense of achievement and joy upon completion is another appeal.
You can enjoy combining colors, display it as is, or adapt it for wall decorations to brighten up your room’s interior.
It’s a recommended craft you can enjoy making at a calm, leisurely pace.
Origami Tetris
Three-dimensional and fun! Here’s an idea for origami Tetris.
Many of you have probably played Tetris on a computer or game console, right? This time, let’s make tetrominoes—just like they jumped out of the game world—using origami.
All you need is origami paper and scissors or a craft knife.
You’ll divide a 15 cm square sheet into four parts to make them, so this is a perfect idea for those who are good with detailed work.
Let’s make some tetrominoes and play!
Peach Blossom Wreath
Here is a cute wreath of peach blossoms made with origami.
Both the wreath base and the peach blossoms are created by assembling individual parts.
Because many of the steps are simple, it should be accessible for many older adults.
With origami, you think ahead to the next steps and the finished piece, so it’s said to have brain-training benefits.
What’s more, the fingers are sometimes called the “second brain” because their nerves are closely connected to the brain.
Using your fingertips can stimulate and activate the brain.
Please consider using this peach blossom wreath activity for recreation.
Otafuku Box
In February, we have Setsubun, right? Speaking of Setsubun, there’s also the custom of throwing beans.
I’d like to introduce a recommended origami that can double as a masu (a small wooden box) for holding the beans.
It’s a fun piece where the lid looks like an okame (smiling woman) face.
Prepare one sheet of black origami paper and fold it so that the black side becomes the hair and the white back side becomes the face.
It’s an interesting folding method that lets you create both the hair and the face from a single sheet, so older adults can enjoy making it too.
Fold the box body from origami paper in any color you like.
Have an older adult draw the okame face to finish it.
Besides holding beans, it could also be used for candy or snacks.
Please try using it in various ways.
Gobbling Ogre
In February, many senior care facilities likely hold Setsubun events and recreation activities.
In addition to throwing beans, people will surely enjoy games unique to Setsubun.
Here, we’ll introduce origami for an oni (ogre) and an ehomaki sushi roll that are perfect for Setsubun-themed recreation.
We’ll fold the oni and the ehomaki separately.
Please have people nearby help with the slightly tricky parts.
By combining them—such as an oni eating an ehomaki, or an oni riding on a giant ehomaki—you can create amusing pieces with different styles.
These works can also be used for wreaths or wall decorations.
[For Seniors] Enjoyable Brain Training! Recommended Origami for February (21–30)
Heart cat
Here’s a charming piece featuring a cat peeking out from a heart.
With a single sheet of origami paper, you can make both the heart and the cat.
You can also write a message on the heart, making it a great addition to a Valentine’s Day gift.
It could be nice to give to your family or grandchildren as well.
With two cute elements—heart and cat—combined, it’s the kind of craft that can warm the hearts of older adults too.
One of the great things about origami is that you can make it while chatting with the people around you.
It’s a fun activity that can also serve as a bit of brain training.