By Eric Billingsley/
Journal Staff Writer
The stereotypical video game junkie is often painted as a loner from Generation Next, Y or X. Someone who spends most of his or her free time playing games like “Grand Theft Auto” or “Tony Hawk Pro Skater.”
But there’s a new breed of video game addict: members of the Greatest Generation. Retirement communities, senior centers and older individuals are getting hooked on the Nintendo Wii (pronounced whee). The video game unit connects to a television and has a handheld wireless device that lets players go through the motions of playing games such as bowling, golf or tennis.
“Oh, it’s good,” says Frances Reilly, 81. “It gets you up and going, and you need that. It gives you some thought for the future because you don’t want to sit around and feel sorry for yourself.”
Fun, exercise, social interaction and even a little healthy competition are a few of the benefits seniors experience playing the games, they and activity coordinators at retirement homes say.
“It’s extremely enjoyable, it’s exercise, uplifting and funny,” says Trish Faris, guest services manager at Acantilado Vista Retirement Community in Rio Rancho, which hosts hourlong Wii sessions a few times a week. “It encourages residents to get out, and they look forward to it.”
Tennis anyone?
Acantilado Vista’s staff coach Mark Rupert sets up bowling, golf and tennis games at least four days a week from 3 to 4 p.m. He helps residents with limited mobility play the games and encourages newcomers to join. He also organizes tournaments for as many as 15 residents. Residents have embraced the program, Faris says. “Every couple of minutes you hear them yelling and clapping,” she says. On a recent afternoon, more than a dozen residents gathered before the big screen television at Acantilado Vista to bowl. The regulars anxiously awaited their turns, and passers-by stopped to watch. Virginia Morgan, 90, is one of the regulars. She says the Wii sessions are more active than other events at the retirement community. And the video games bring out a playful spirit in residents. “I play every chance I get,” says Morgan. “We’re in our second childhood. I enjoy everything.” Marian Ross, 98 and the eldest of the group, bowled for her second time during the session. “I think it’s great, and I see it draws a crowd,” says Ross. “It gives everybody something to do, and I think it would be fun to keep at it and get better.” Reilly says she never would have imagined herself playing video games. But the Wii is fun because she can’t drive and do many other activities, she says. “You do everything that’s within your power to do,” she says.
Greater popularity
Acantilado Vista launched its Wii program about three months ago. The company’s parent, Leisure Care Retirement Communities, installed Wiis in 30 of its communities. At least one resident has purchased his own Nintendo system, Faris says. Linda Miller, resident services director for La Vida Llena retirement community in Northeast Albuquerque, is trying to buy a Wii system. She says she hopes it will serve many purposes. “It will be a boost socially and physically. And the fact is many are not able to bowl anymore, and (playing the games) can be a way of going back to earlier times. It’s part of reminiscing.” Manzano Mesa Multigenerational Center in Southeast Albuquerque originally purchased a unit for its summer youth program. While it has yet to launch a senior program, it’s planning a video game tournament in March between senior citizens and high school seniors.
“What better way to bring generations together than to allow them to interact in a fun way,” says Juliet Kerlin, senior program coordinator.
Nintendo donated the Wii units to the Leisure Care communities. Officials from the video game giant say they hope to break down stereotypes that the games are just for youngsters.
“There has been a bad rap on Nintendo that Nintendo is only for kids, but we never felt that way,” says Amber McCollum, senior manager in public relations for Nintendo. “Finally we have a chance to show Nintendo isn’t just for kids. (The Wii) is a product that does transcend all ages. If they can hold and use a remote to a TV, then they can use the Wii.”
Journal staff writer Amanda Stevens contributed to this article.
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