Wii bridging generation gap

Date Added - 11/05/09

Senior citizens in Moray are bridging the generation gap by using Nintendo Wii computer-based gaming packages to help them keep active.

The Moray Community Health and Social Care Partnership has purchased the consoles and Wii-Fit balance boards from local supplier Gamestation for Moray Council-run elderly day-care centres and sheltered housing complexes.

Attendees and residents will have ample opportunity to hone their skills in visual sports and activities such as ten-pin bowling, golf and yoga.

The Wii craze has swept the nation over the past few years largely because of its innovative play format. It differs from other computer games in that it requires a higher level of interaction from the player.

The controller recognises spatial movement and reacts to normal human movements, which makes the games more beneficial and appealing.

Apart from the obvious fun element, there is a more serious underlying objective.

Lorna Bernard, the partnership’s telehealthcare project manager, said: “There is a school of thought that regular use of the Wii and Wii-Fit can help to improve balance and mobility, which in turn can help to reduce falls in older people.

“Aberdeen University has recently embarked on research to examine these claims further.

“In addition, the Wii can be adapted to suit varying degrees of ability and people can play as individuals or in groups, which has the added benefits of increasing mental alertness and social interaction.”

Moray Council’s lead systems manager for social work, Jane Mackie, said: “The council prides itself in responding to changing client expectations which go beyond a traditional model of physical care provision.

“We also want to improve general quality of life by encouraging social activities which improve mobility, alertness and self-confidence.

“This is reflected in Moray’s older people people’s strategy, Living Longer, Living Better. Providing these games consoles and balance boards is an excellent example of the council using innovative methods to improve the lives of some of our more vulnerable clients.”

The longer-term intention is to involve local school pupils to help older people use the Wii to their advantage.

NHS health improvement officer for schools, Andrew Mair, said: “This is an ideal opportunity to demonstrate the value of working in partnership to bring Moray's generations together through technology.

“We hope to involve schools as a way of broadening and developing basic curricular activities to the mutual benefit of pupils and council service users.”