When most people think of activities for senior citizens, it’s usually something old-fashioned and stereotypical, like bingo or checkers.
But a growing number of seniors at Independence Village of Waterstone (and across the nation) are becoming more like their grandkids because they would rather play video games.
Ever since General Manager Eugene Valentine began bringing his Nintendo Wii video game console to the retirement community in March, everyone’s been having a ball.
‘People that normally don’t come down that much are down at this,? said Activities Director Laura Ashley. ‘We always get new faces.?
‘More people are active in that than I’ve seen in anything else that we’ve done around here,? said 77-year-old Independence Village resident Peggy Rowley. ‘They really get into this.?
The Wii features easy-to-use wireless controllers that resemble television remotes, but are motion sensitive, meaning they translate the player’s movements onto the screen. Players are encouraged to twist, turn and become just as active as the digital characters.
‘They’re having fun and moving around,? Ashley said.
Seated around a big screen television, the seniors engage in friendly competition and cheer each other on like a real sporting event.
Bowling and golf are the most popular games among the senior set at Independence Village.
‘It’s about getting back in the game,? Ashley said. ‘A lot of them haven’t been able to get to golf courses or bowling alleys anymore. This gives them the chance to do it.?
‘They’re quite good at the bowling. Some of them just really know how to hit it in there,? she noted.
?(In real life) I always had a curve and I wasn’t a very good bowler, by boy, I do all right on this one,? said Rowley, who bowled 168 last week, a personal best.
Ashley said most of the activities she plans for the seniors usually last about 45 minutes.
But the Wii playing sessions typically go on for about 1? hours.
‘The crowd seems to stay,? she said.
‘It’s something that once they do it, they want to do it again,? Rowley noted. ‘It’s just so much fun. It’s fun just watching everybody else. They don’t even have to do it.?
But playing the Wii is more than just a fun pastime for seniors, it’s a healthy thing to do for the mind and body.
It increases their mental stimulation/activity, provides good exercise and leads to more social interaction, which helps fight loneliness and depression.
‘It brings more people together and I like that,? Rowley said.
Ashley said Independence Village is hoping to get its own Wii system someday.
‘We’re planning on writing to Nintendo and seeing if they can supply us with one,? she said.