Lovely senior life

[For Seniors] Introducing May-themed Origami!

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.
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)

Dandelion wreath

Introducing how to make a three-dimensional dandelion wreath decoration with origami! Why not try making it as a spring decoration for April and May? [Tsukuru-mon]

Dandelion wreath

Spring is the season when the weather warms and many flowers begin to appear, and you’ll likely spot more dandelions as well.

This craft recreates dandelions—a quintessential spring flower—using origami and combines them into a wreath-like shape.

To make the dandelion flowers, fold a strip of origami paper in half and then fold it again to make it narrower, cut fine slits along the edge, roll it up, then spread and shape it.

The wreath base is made by assembling triangular units, and it’s recommended to use green to evoke leaves.

Finally, combine all the parts and add decorative elements like leaf pieces to complete the project.

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Gift Frame

Make it with origami! Easy Carp Streamer–Shaped Gift Frame Tutorial (for Children’s Day).

Gift Frame

Here’s an introduction to a carp-streamer gift frame that can hold photos or sweets.

Fold two sheets of origami using the same steps, layer them, and you’ll create a single frame.

The folding process doesn’t have many complicated parts, so it may be easy for older adults to try.

It also looks lovely if you place patterned origami inside the frame.

Shape the frame itself like a carp streamer and pop in a photo or some treats.

When adding sweets, we recommend using a clear bag.

On Children’s Day, some grandparents may have their grandchildren visit at home.

Putting sweets in the gift frame and giving it to your grandchild is sure to delight them.

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Koinobori wall decoration made with craft bands

How to make an easy carp streamer decoration using origami and craft bands – crafting – handmade

Koinobori wall decoration made with craft bands

How about making a wall decoration packed with the charm of May using origami and craft bands? First, prepare a craft band and attach double-sided tape to the end.

Shape it into a ring, then wrap thread around it as if drawing a line through the center.

Also wrap thread so that it hangs down on the left and right.

Using your favorite origami paper, make carp streamers (koinobori), streamers, pinwheels, samurai helmets (kabuto), and a banner flag, then use double-sided tape to attach them to the threads.

Secure them from the back with glue so they don’t fall off.

Add embellishments with pearl stickers, adjust the ring shape, and you’re done.

Although there are some fine tasks, using your fingertips can help prevent cognitive decline, so this is also recommended as occupational therapy or recreation in senior care facilities.

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a bouquet of tulips

Standing Bouquet! How to Make Cute Tulips with Origami – Standing Bouquets: Crafting Adorable Mini Tulips from Paper! / Tutorial

a bouquet of tulips

In spring, you sometimes see tulips blooming in park flowerbeds or along the roadside.

Older adults who go out for a walk may feel the arrival of spring when they see the blooming tulips.

So for a May craft, let’s make tulips, the flowers that herald spring.

We’ll fold them with origami so they have a three-dimensional finish.

Using patterned or transparent origami paper gives them an even lovelier look.

Attach wire for the stem and add leaves to complete the flower.

Bundle several tulips together to make a bouquet.

Having a beautiful bouquet of tulips you made yourself can give you a real sense of accomplishment.

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Message Card

[Children’s Day] How to make a message card with Kintaro and carp streamers

Message Card

Let’s try making a message card for Children’s Day.

We especially recommend this Children’s Day message card for seniors who have grandchildren.

Create items that evoke Children’s Day or Tango no Sekku using origami or construction paper and attach them to the card.

For example, you could make carp streamers (koinobori), iris flowers (shobu), or Kintaro.

Besides crafting with origami or construction paper, you can also write a message with a brush or draw a picture.

A handmade card filled with heartfelt care is sure to delight the recipient.

If you like, please use this as inspiration to create a wonderful message card.

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Real wisteria flowers

[Origami] Make Wisteria Flowers / DIY Origami #TableDecor #Handmade

Real wisteria flowers

Wisteria, with its pale purple blossoms, soothes the heart just by looking at it.

Many seniors may have visited famous wisteria spots.

In this article, we’ll introduce wisteria you can enjoy indoors.

Let’s make each wisteria bloom using small 6-centimeter square origami paper.

Because the size is small and the work is intricate, it’s perfect for people who enjoy origami or are good with their hands.

After making the flowers and leaves, attach them to wire and assemble each piece to complete the arrangement.

It’s fun to make and calming to display—please consider incorporating this wisteria craft idea into your recreational activities!

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Koinobori made with Japanese-style origami

[Easy] 3D ✨ Carp Streamer Craft 🎏 [100-yen Origami] How to Make Carp-shaped Streamers

Koinobori made with Japanese-style origami

Here is a three-dimensional koi nobori (carp streamer) made from Japanese-style origami paper that you can easily find at 100-yen shops.

You first make the koi nobori’s body flat, then add slits and fold along them to turn it into a three-dimensional shape, which is the fun part.

For the koi nobori’s pole, roll copy paper around a toothpick or skewer.

Apply glue to the slit section of the body and attach the pole there.

The colorful washi patterns are very cute and will brighten the atmosphere when placed in an entryway or living room.

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Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

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