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[For Seniors] Recommended Origami for January
Origami involves fine hand movements and is expected to stimulate the brain, so it’s a recreational activity that’s great to include for dementia prevention.
Another nice thing about origami is that it’s easy to enjoy and can be done together with grandchildren and family.
Here, we’ll introduce ways to fold and make origami—especially ideas you can enjoy in January.
Create items perfect for January events with origami, and enjoy them together while feeling the season.
There are plenty of ideas you can also apply to January wall decorations.
[For Seniors] Recommended Origami for January (1–10)
celebratory crane
For New Year’s hospitality, how about decorating with a festive, elegant crane? The method we’re introducing this time has some tricky parts, so take your time as you work! The key is to make crisp, well-defined creases.
At the end, spread the wings and adjust the balance so it can stand firmly—this will give you a beautifully finished piece.
A distinctive feature of this celebratory crane is that it shows both the color of the head and the wings.
Using washi-style patterns or double-sided origami paper with different colors lets you create cranes with a variety of moods—highly recommended.
Snowflakes
Why not try making snowflakes out of origami? The fine handiwork uses your fingertips, so you can have fun while stimulating your brain.
Use white origami paper and start with a basic hexagonal shape.
By making cuts with scissors or combining several sheets of origami, you can create three-dimensional snowflakes.
They look lovely as wall decorations or on window glass.
If you make them together with older adults, it can spark lively conversation.
How about spending a fun origami time where everyone can enjoy the winter atmosphere, with people around offering support for the trickier parts?
gloves
Perfect for the winter season! This mitten-style origami will warm everyone’s heart.
With just one sheet of origami paper, you can make a pair of mittens.
It’s great as a wall decoration accent or a small gift! The key point is that by simply cutting one sheet of origami in half, you can make both mittens.
As the mitten outline starts to appear, you can’t help but smile.
If you use larger paper, you can even add a fun twist where a character peeks out from inside, making it even more enjoyable.
Handling origami helps keep your fingers nimble and stimulates the brain, so be sure to enjoy the season while you create!
menko (a traditional Japanese card-and-coin-flipping game)
Let’s make a traditional toy, menko—familiar to many seniors—using origami! After you make it, how about enjoying a fun game of menko with your family or everyone at day service? You’ll create parts from two sheets of origami paper and combine them at the end.
By changing the color combinations, you can transform the look and finish with a charming menko! It’s perfect for New Year’s activities at day service or for making together with your grandchildren, so give it a try!
omikuji (a Japanese fortune slip typically drawn at Shinto shrines or Buddhist temples)
Making omikuji with origami is such a lovely idea.
Because you’re creating the fortunes yourselves, it will surely become a special memory.
Just fold an octagonal tube and put positive words inside, and you can spread happiness to everyone.
Older adults can enjoy crafting while keeping their cognitive skills active by using their hands.
If you make them together with family or friends, the conversation will flow and the time will be filled with smiles.
It sounds like a wonderful activity to welcome the New Year with a bright, hopeful feeling.
koma
Here’s a spinning top made of origami that’s perfect for New Year’s activities at day service centers or for making together with your grandchildren! With just three sheets of origami paper, you can create a colorful, cool top.
The key is to make crisp creases and fold carefully as you go.
Make the parts from each sheet of paper and assemble them at the end.
No glue or scissors needed, so anyone can try it easily! You can also combine patterned or glittery origami to enjoy a different look.
Daruma
As we welcome the New Year, how about making a Daruma origami, a beloved good-luck charm? Using your hands stimulates the brain and is said to help prevent dementia.
Origami is easy to enjoy, so it’s also recommended to do it together with your family or grandchildren.
Using red paper will create an even more festive atmosphere.
Once you’re done, display it in your room to enhance the New Year mood.
If you’re unsure about any steps, it’s fun to discuss and figure them out together as you fold.
Why not fold with care, filling it with your wishes for the New Year?
plum
With vivid colors like red, pink, and white, plum blossoms add a splash of brightness to the cold winter months when moods can tend to dip.
Origami plum blossoms are also great as a New Year’s decoration accent! Why not give them a try? The key to making a plum blossom is to start by folding a perfect pentagon.
Crafting this pentagon cleanly is the trick.
Finally, make small cuts with scissors to form the plum petals.
Adding a yellow round sticker to the center will give it a realistic look!
Easy! Sea bream
Why not make a sea bream (tai), a familiar symbol of good luck for the New Year, out of origami? It’s sure to lift your spirits for celebrating the new year, and the vibrant red will give you an extra boost of energy! The trick is to make firm creases first and then proceed with the folds.
Since there aren’t many steps, it’s easy for anyone to enjoy—from seniors to children.
Finish by adding the fish’s eye, scales, and fin patterns, and you’re done! It can also be used as a wall decoration, so it’s a great choice for activities in senior care facilities.
battledore (a traditional Japanese decorative paddle used for New Year, also used in the game hanetsuki)
Making a battledore with origami is a very fun craft.
It’s exciting to choose colorful paper and come up with your favorite designs.
The detailed work engages your hands and stimulates your brain.
It’s also wonderful that you can deepen connections with others by figuring out the folding steps together and showing each other your finished pieces.
The joy you feel when it’s complete is exceptional.
How about creating battledores in various colors and patterns while sensing the changing seasons? It’s also recommended to enjoy it together with your grandchildren or family.