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 Wall Decorations and Crafts for January
- [For Seniors] January Craft Ideas: Boost Your Luck with New Year Decorations and Good-Luck Charms
- [For Seniors] Easy Origami Recommended for Winter
- [For Seniors] January Craft Ideas for Day Service Activities
- [For Seniors] Try Making Your Own Kadomatsu! A roundup of ideas using origami, felt, and yarn
- Lucky Daruma: Craft ideas for decorating January wall displays for seniors
- Easy origami that delights the elderly. Enjoy a heart-lifting time with seasonal origami.
- For Seniors: Auspicious Handmade Zodiac Ornament Craft Ideas
- For seniors: Snowman crafts to brighten January wall displays—fun ideas using origami, paper plates, and papercutting.
- [For Seniors] Craft Ideas Recommended for New Year’s and the New Year
- Recommended Origami for Seniors: Fun December Theme
- [Recreation] Summary of Recommended Origami Ideas for Seniors
- [For Seniors] Heartwarming and Cozy: Perfect Wall Decoration Ideas for Winter in Care Facilities
[For Seniors] Recommended Origami for January (1–10)
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!
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.
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?


![[For Seniors] Recommended Origami for January](https://i.ytimg.com/vi_webp/hGGCmp7eiEs/maxresdefault.webp)
