[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!
snow rabbit
Many older adults may have memories of playing in the snow in winter—building snowmen and igloos, or having snowball fights.
In Japan, where there used to be more snowfall than today, such scenes were probably common in winter depending on the region.
So, let’s make a lovely craft that resembles something you would create with snow, using origami.
This time, we’re introducing an origami snow rabbit.
We’ll make the rabbit’s ears as well from a single sheet of origami paper.
For real snow rabbits, the ears are made using evergreen leaves like nandina (nanten) or daphniphyllum (yuzuriha).
So it might be nice to use green origami paper for the ears, too.
A cute snow rabbit craft may bring a sense of calm and comfort to some older adults.
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.
Rose Heart
Here’s a Rose Heart that’s perfect for Valentine’s Day decorations.
Roses are known for their many overlapping petals, right? You can capture that petal look with origami, too.
First, crease the paper so it becomes a small square.
Then roll the paper inward from the center to form the overlapping petals.
It’s a fun method, but some older adults may find it difficult at first.
Try making it together with them.
Once the petals are formed, shape it into a heart to finish.
You can also use it for wreaths or hanging decorations.
[For Seniors] Enjoyable Brain Training! Recommended Origami for February (21–30)
Hexagonal box with floral decorations
Let’s try making a hexagonal box using 12 sheets of origami.
You might think it looks difficult because of the number of sheets, but you’ll make parts using six sheets for the box body and six for the lid.
Once you learn how to fold one, all that’s left is assembly, so it’s easy to take on.
You can use the finished box yourself, or take it home and give it to your family—either way, it’s sure to be appreciated.
It’s also a great idea for Valentine’s Day in February: fill it with sweets and give it to your grandchild as a gift.
You can make an adorable box, so please give it a try!