How Art is Beneficial to Elder Adults
Making art can help all of us in times of stress, loneliness or boredom. In addition, for seniors, art is a fantastic way to exercise the brain, help maintain hand-eye coordination, create memories and an inexpensive way to give a gift to loved ones. When we are in a playful art-making mode, our brain lights up & can release endorphins - helping us to access memories that are linked to a meaningful life.
In fact, alzinfo.org suggests that "artistic engagement may help to ease common behavioural symptoms of dementia like anxiety, agitation and depression. It may also boost mood and self-esteem, and possibly help stimulate memory. By having a beneficial effect on those with Alzheimer’s, caregivers may find relief as well".
Without further ado, let's get busy exercising our brains.
What you will need
led string lights
1 square piece of origami paper per lantern (any size is ok but we are using 15cm x 15cm)
How to make Origami Balloon Lanterns
Step 1: Layout your square piece of origami paper
Step 2: Fold in half diagonally into a triangle - make sure there is a solid crease by pressing down.
Step 3: Unfold and rotate, ensuring you have a sharp crease
Step 4: Fold the other half as in the previous step
Step 5: Unfold
Step 6: Flip origami paper over and fold in half. (rectangle)
Step 7: Unfold
Step 8: Fold in half the opposite way making a rectangle again
Step 9: Unfold
Step 10: Follow the crease to fold in half (triangle) as shown
Step 11: Push flat and fold corners of the top layers as shown
Step 12: Repeat on the opposit side
Step 13: Flip over and repeat the previous steps 2 steps
Step 14: Fold right and left corners into the centre as shown
Step 15: Should look like this
Step 16: Flip over and repeat the previous step
Step 17: Fold right and left bottom flaps into the center
Step 18: Making sure you have a good crease. Fold bottom flap into the side flap
Step 19: Do the same for both sides
Step 20: Repeat on the opposite side. Both sides should look like this
Step 21: blow air into the opening to puff out your lantern. Adjust shape as needed
Here is how your lantern should look like.
Step 21: Using the hole in your lantern place led lights inside. Make sure they are secure.
Step 22: Hang your lanterns up and enjoy!
From Sidney to Victoria BC, Pacific Coast Health Services provides home healthcare for seniors and persons with disabilities. From respite care & 24-hour care to dementia care & advanced foot care, our care line is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week - 365 days a year. To book your free in-home healthcare assessment.
Call (250) 389-0202 or Email tjohnson@pchservices.ca.