Here Wii go
WINFIELD TOWNSHIP — Senior citizens living at Concordia Lutheran Ministries compete in bowling leagues, golf tournaments and baseball games, all without leaving the room.
They use Nintendo Wii systems, which are now installed in the three independent living buildings and one assisted living building.
The residents actively lobbied for Nintendo Wii systems, said Cathy Questiaux, independent living activities coordinator at Concordia.
"Residents themselves started showing up with magazine and newspaper articles," Questiaux said.
"They saw the technology taking off with seniors in other parts of the country."
Administrators took note of the residents' requests and the technology came to the retirement community in March.
<table width="300" height="275" border="0" align="right" valign="top" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><embed src="/assets/mov/BE48139611.MOV" width="320" height="250" autostart="true" loop="false" ></embed></td></tr><tr><td align="center"><a href="http://www.apple.com/quicktime/" target="_blank"><span class="style11">Requires Quicktime Media Player </a><br><font size="1" face="Tahoma, Times New Roman">Video by Brandon Gerthoffer</font></span><td></tr></table>The Nintendo Wii console was released in fall 2006 and includes the Wii Sports game, which allows players to box, bowl, golf and play baseball and tennis. Players move the wireless Wii remote to mimic actions such as swinging a golf club or rolling a bowling ball. The action is then simulated on-screen within a 3D bowling alley, golf course or baseball field.The independent living residents enjoy the Wii so much that they meet several times a week to play, Questiaux said. By far, bowling is the standout favorite."It's easy to pick up," said resident Bob Weissert, 76. "It's easier than real bowling."The Gentlemen versus Ladies bowling tournament in the Haven III building has been one of the highlights, with more than 40 residents gathering to cheer on the teams."There was just laughter the whole evening," Questiaux said. "The benefits of laughter help any of us and it's particularly good in this environment."Residents are getting more exercise as a result of the games, Questiaux said."It's a nice, nonaggressive way to get more exercise and movement," she said. "And they're just enjoying being together and playing."The games encourage socialization and bring together residents who might not meet otherwise."It's a lot of fun,"said resident Carl Boltz, 92. "It seems like the most popular thing around here."The game system is also helping some residents who are unable to exercise in traditional ways."Some of the other activities, like Silver Sneakers, are too much for them," Questiaux said. "This is a good way for those people to get exercise."Assisted living residents have different levels of ability, but they are all able to benefit from the games, said assisted living activities coordinator Jamie White."The higher functioning ones enjoy participating in it," she said. "The ones that are lower functioning can still participate. They feel like they're actually at a ball game or golfing."Resident Meri Rieseck, 81, said the game has been enjoyable for everyone at Concordia."It's wonderful that so many people can do this," she said."It's easy to do. It doesn't take a lot of strength."Concordia's use of Nintendo Wii reflects a larger national trend, which shows an increasing number of older adults using video games.Twenty-six percent of players are older than 50, up from nine percent in 1999, according to the Entertainment Software Association's 2007 consumer survey.Learning how to start up the system and control the remotes has not been a problem, Questiaux said.Training sessions were provided when the game systems were installed and clear instructions are posted nearby."We thought it would be hard,"said resident Norene Nelson, 73. "But we could recommend it to anybody.""Anyone can do it," added her husband, John Nelson, 82.
