Lovely senior life

[For Seniors] Introducing May-themed Origami!

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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.
Physical Therapist / WriterKawamura Mina
From a physical therapist to a writer, driven by the desire to travel the world with just a laptop. I’ve traveled to over 20 countries. I hope to deliver writing that many people are glad to have discovered. Thank you in advance.

Origami is a popular recreational activity in senior care facilities.

Finger exercises are effective for stimulating the brain, and displaying completed pieces or feeling a sense of accomplishment adds to the enjoyment.

May is a month filled with events, such as Children’s Day and Mother’s Day.

So this time, we’ll introduce origami with a May theme.

Origami that activates both the fingers and the brain while feeling the season—and offers a sense of achievement—can be considered an ideal recreation for older adults.

By all means, try making May-themed origami together with the older adults around you.

[For Seniors] Introducing May-Themed Origami! (61–70)

Three-dimensional origami iris

Paper Iris Tutorial: How to Make an Iris (Ayame)

Three-dimensional origami iris

We’d like to introduce an origami craft featuring a beautiful three-dimensional iris.

You’ll need green washi paper, craft wire, and purple origami paper.

First, make the flower.

Fold the origami paper vertically, horizontally, and diagonally to create crease lines.

Fold along these lines to collapse the paper, then fold and open each edge one by one.

Once the shape is set, gently open it while curving with your fingertips to form the flower.

Next, make the stem.

Apply glue to the washi paper and attach the wire and the flower together.

For the leaves, cut the washi into long, narrow strips and neaten the top edges.

When everything is ready, arrange the flower and leaves in a vase.

You’ll be pleased with a result that hardly looks like it was made from origami.

The fingerwork involved and the task of arranging with an eye for balance can also be expected to help prevent cognitive decline.

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Simple koi-shaped streamer

[Craft Idea] Koinobori (carp streamer) decorations (May) (Children’s Day) (activities for seniors) (wall decorations) (early childhood education) (origami) (samurai helmet) (seasonal decorations)

Simple koi-shaped streamer

Koinobori (carp streamers) are an iconic item for Children’s Day.

In the past, it was common to display large koinobori in the yard, but recently compact versions have become popular.

They embody parents’ hopes that their children will overcome difficulties and grow into strong adults.

This time, we’re introducing an easy koinobori craft that’s recommended as a gift from seniors to their grandchildren.

Prepare origami paper, a craft knife, and glue; since you only need to cut and paste the paper, the process is simple.

It’s also a nice idea to design the koinobori to reflect your family members.

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Azaleas and butterflies

[Craft Idea] Azaleas and Butterflies (May Wall Decoration) (Elderly Recreation, Occupational Therapy OT, Day Service, Childcare) (Origami, Flowers, 3D, Easy Craft, Origami DIY) Azalea and Butterfly Wall Decoration

Azaleas and butterflies

Azaleas, which bloom in vivid pinks and purples, are at their best from mid-April to mid-May.

As a May wall decoration idea, how about making azaleas and butterflies? Let’s fold azaleas using red and pink origami.

First, make crease lines and use them as guides as you fold.

While the paper is still folded, cut it with scissors into the shape of petals.

Then use the scissors to round and shape the cut petals.

For the butterflies, using washi-patterned origami will really make them stand out.

Butterflies fluttering over a brightly colored field of azaleas is sure to lift the spirits of anyone who sees it.

Please use this as a reference!

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Carp streamers and irises

[Craft Idea] Koinobori and Iris Flowers (May, Spring) (Wall Decorations) (Senior Recreation / OT / Day Service) (Early Childhood Education) (Origami) (Japanese Traditions)

Carp streamers and irises

Speaking of May, it’s all about carp streamers (koinobori) for Children’s Day.

Those koinobori swimming gracefully in the wide sky are a familiar seasonal sight in Japan, and are likely nostalgic for seniors as well.

This time, we’re introducing wall decorations featuring koinobori and irises.

Irises bloom around mid-May, and they pair beautifully when displayed alongside koinobori.

Make the koinobori in any colors you like—the scales really pop when they’re colorful.

Attach the scales to the koinobori, draw the eyes, and it’s done.

For the irises, cut a sheet of origami paper into six equal pieces and make each petal one by one.

Combine the petals, then add the stem and leaves to finish.

Brighten up your senior care facility with these wall decorations that are perfect for clear May skies.

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onion

[Craft Idea] Onion Crafting (May, Spring) (Senior Activities) (Early Childhood Education) (Wall Decorations) (Vegetables) (Scenery)

onion

Many senior care facilities change their wall decorations with each season.

Some staff may be troubled because the walls end up looking similar every year.

So this time, we’d like to introduce a slightly unusual onion-themed wall decoration.

Sweet and delicious new onions are said to be in season from March to May.

Let’s try making lifelike onions together with the seniors! Crumple a sheet of copy paper into a ball, then insert leaves made from similarly crumpled green origami.

Use pale orange origami to represent the onion skin.

Tie on a string, and your realistic onion is complete! If you also create eaves or a hanging rack to suspend them from, the atmosphere becomes even more authentic.

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Lotus Blossoms and a Ladybug

[Craft Idea] Chinese Milk Vetch and Ladybug (May, Spring) (Wall Decorations, Senior Recreation, Occupational Therapy OT, Day Service, Preschool) (Origami) (DIY)

Lotus Blossoms and a Ladybug

Small pink flowers that bloom from around April to June.

When Chinese milk vetch blooms, you can feel the transition from spring to early summer.

This time, we’re sharing an idea for a wall decoration featuring ladybugs flying over a field of Chinese milk vetch.

Make templates from thick paper, then create the petals and calyx.

Combine the petals to form a single flower.

To add a three-dimensional effect, gently round the tips of the petals using scissors.

Make the stems and leaves, and attach each piece to complete the design.

The ladybugs are also crafted to look three-dimensional, so please use that as a reference.

It’s an idea that will instantly brighten the walls of a senior care facility—give it a try!

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Aoi

[Craft Idea] Hollyhock (Aoi) (May) (Wall Decoration • Senior Recreation • Occupational Therapy OT • Day Service • Creative Activity) (Flower Craft Aoi Origami DIY) (Paper Craft)

Aoi

The hollyhock blooms in vivid colors from early to mid-summer.

As a May wall decoration idea, I recommend hollyhocks.

Fold a pink sheet of origami paper into thirds both vertically and horizontally, then cut it into nine small squares.

Use the video as a reference to form the flower shape.

Recreating the inner pattern involves very detailed work, so be careful not to cut yourself.

This extra step makes the flower look authentic, so it’s an important point! Once you’ve made the leaves and butterflies, arrange them and you’re done.

Since there are many fine steps, this project seems perfect for older adults who are skilled at origami and papercutting.

Everyone, give it a try!

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