Wii games bowling over retirees
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You might call Judy Meek the “ringer” of the retirement village.
The Midwest City woman has bowled 20 perfect games in her lifetime, but that’s because she played in several leagues three times a week.Now that she is retired, Meek is showing her fellow
The nursing facility recently purchased a Ninetendo Wii game system to add to its activities program.The Wii, pronounced “we,” game console costs about $250 and plugs into a TV. But the distinguishing feature is the system’s wireless control, the Wii remote, a handheld device that detects movement and speed. The residents just swing their arm as if they were rolling a bowling ball and with practice, they can make strikes and spares in no time.
Meek said the only difference playing the game on TV than at the bowling alley is “not having to carry a 16 pound ball around.”
“You can remain loose and relaxed and get a lot out of it,” she said.Robert Samples, the
“We wanted to think outside of the box and get some new activities that are interactive and create some healthy competition,” he said. “Anytime you can get one of our residents to be more active is a plus.”
Samples said residents can stand or be in a chair as long as they can put the remote in their hand. The residents also can play golf, tennis and even boxing on the Wii system.
Richard Waymire sits in a wheelchair but said he feels like he gets a workout using the game controller. “We have a good time here. It’s a way to do the exercises but not be strained,” he said.Kevin Shaw, the center’s assistant activities director said other residents come down to watch the excitement during Tuesday’s “Wii Bowling League” and Thursday’s “Wii Can” day where residents choose the games.“We’ve been doing it less than a month,” he said.
“Word of mouth doesn’t take too long. Its getting bigger and we want them to use it as much as possible.”
Samples said he sees a time where the
“It keeps the mind sharp and it’s good for the arms and your heart, plus we have Judy on our side,” he said.
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That’s great stuff… good to see a video game actually doing some good. With my teen, they’re just a source of frustration, but keeping the minds and bodies of these folks stimulated is a good benefit.