Lovely senior life

[For Seniors] Enjoyable Brain Training! Recommended Origami for February

Social worker / Care workermoko
My name is Moko, a mother of three who admired my mother and worked in the care industry as a care worker and as a medical social worker (MSW) in a hospital. I will be drawing on my previous experience to write mainly about caregiving. Thank you in advance.

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.

[For Seniors] Enjoyable Brain Training! Recommended Origami for February (21–30)

flower box

[Origami] How to Fold a Cute Flower Box | Origami Flower Box [With Voice Commentary] / Grandma’s Origami

flower box

Some seniors may be quite skilled at origami, don’t you think? Origami has its own unique folds as well as more complex techniques.

By combining these folds, you can create delicate and beautiful works.

Here’s a slightly challenging project that’s perfect for seniors who enjoy origami: a cute flower box.

Fold the paper so that, when cut, it forms a pentagon.

From there, the steps get a bit more complex as you fold it into a box.

Of course, staff can support and make it together with seniors.

It’s an ideal project for February’s cold days, to enjoy carefully crafting origami in a warm indoor setting.

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Hexagonal box with floral decorations

[Origami Box] How to fold a hexagonal box with a flower-decorated lid – with voice commentary / Baaba’s Origami

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!

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[For Seniors] Fun Brain Training! Recommended Origami for February (31–40)

snow rabbit

[Winter Origami] How to fold a snow rabbit with one sheet, with audio commentary ☆ How to fold a snow rabbit with one piece of origami / Tatsukuri

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.

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Valentine’s hanging decorations

[Craft Idea] Valentine’s Day Hanging Decoration (February) (Wall Decoration) (Senior Recreation, OT, Daycare, Childcare) (Heart Ornament, DIY)

Valentine’s hanging decorations

Speaking of events in February, there’s Valentine’s Day.

Some older adults may have received chocolates from their families.

Perhaps some of you have even given chocolates to someone you had feelings for.

How about making a hanging decoration for this fun event, Valentine’s Day? You can craft chocolates and sweets from origami or construction paper, or cut origami into heart shapes.

Let’s make some cute hanging decoration parts.

As you create them, that exciting Valentine’s Day feeling is likely to grow—even for older adults.

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In conclusion

These were all origami pieces that let you feel the season through February events and flowers. I also hope you’ll get to know some of the more unique days—like Cat Day and Mt. Fuji Day—through origami. You can focus and work on your own, or enjoy folding while chatting with everyone—that’s one of the nice things about origami. Please make good use of this article and try creating some wonderful pieces.