VIDEO: Video Games May Help Seniors Improve Balance
For many parents, the introduction of the Nintendo Wii with all it's exergames (games that require you to be active) was a fun way to get their kids off the couch and stay active. But more and more studies have shown that these expectations have fallen short. There is still no comparison to the demand of physical sports. Unexpectedly, the advantage of exergames may benefit seniors more than their grand kids.(Watch: Lloyd Kitchen as he schools his granddaughter in Wii bowling.)
Keeping Balanced
Roughly one-third of seniors over the age of 65 fall each year causing injuries that can range from simple sprains to more serious injuries such as broken hips, some may even be fatal. Recent studies have shown that using either Wii Fit or Wii Bowling will improve balance in seniors far more than younger gamers. This improved balance decreases the risk of falling and also has the added bonus of creating a bonding point between grandparents and their grand kids.
As soon as the Nintendo Wii was introduced into Lloyd Kitchen's retirement community he began organizing bowling tournaments among his fellow residents. Not only does it keep them spry, it allows him to connect with his granddaughter Caley. "Most people don't get to have bonding time with their grandparents, and it's pretty special," says Caley who not only plays Wii with her grandfather, but is also learning to shoot pool.
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What are some of the ways you stay active? Do you have a favourite exergame? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.
