N.L. seniors home hooked on Wii

[Praxius]

http://www.cbc.ca/canada/newfoundland-labrador/story/2008/09/03/wii-home.html

Residents of a senior citizens home in central Newfoundland are proving that a popular video-game system isn't just for kids.

Carmelite House, a long-term-care home in Grand Falls-Windsor, recently bought a Nintendo Wii for its recreation room.

Resident Linda Paul told CBC News that she never thought playing video games would be one of the highlights of her day, but now she's hooked on the interactive Wii system.

"I don't do a whole lot of exercising where I'm not able to walk," Paul said. "With the arms and the exercise that I'm receiving, I find that I'm after building up a muscle here."

Paul and many of the other 60 residents spend hours playing their favourite sports on Wii, which has been hailed for being a game system that involves some physical activity. The remote controls are used to mimic movements, which are translated on-scene.

Residents at Carmelite House are enjoying sports video games, such as baseball and bowling.

Isabella Barnes, 89, is a war veteran who is proud to call herself a bit of a bowling expert, thanks to the Wii.

"Oh yes, yes, well it's something different you know, and I'm willing to learn something different if I can. I'm old now."

Carl Ings, Carmelite House's recreation specialist, said he thinks the Wii has done some great things for the residents. He said he's seen an increase in their energy levels, concentration and co-ordination.

"It affects the residents, the staff, volunteers, family, just opens up a real great opportunity for more communication, more enjoyable time in a long-term care setting."

Wii has been used in rehabilitation programs since it hit the market in 2006, and has been acclaimed for appealing to a broader demographic than previous game consoles. The system retails for about $270.

I picked one up about two weeks ago finally. We also picked up the WiiFit this past weekend too.... I can safely say that it's worth it's cost, compared to the other systems such as the PS3 or Xbox360, which to me is just the same old stuff, just with better graphics and higher cost.

 

[karrie]

I picked one up about two weeks ago finally. We also picked up the WiiFit this past weekend too.... I can safely say that it's worth it's cost, compared to the other systems such as the PS3 or Xbox360, which to me is just the same old stuff, just with better graphics and higher cost.

It's worth its cost for an adult. Don't buy it for kids. It took all of two hours at Christmas before the house full of kids realized that minute wrist flicks generate more force and precision in the game play than full movements do, and, being competitive kids that they are, there was no longer any reason to move. Instead, if they wanted to actually win, they just sat down and performed the required flicks.

 

[Avro]

It's worth its cost for an adult. Don't buy it for kids. It took all of two hours at Christmas before the house full of kids realized that minute wrist flicks generate more force and precision in the game play than full movements do, and, being competitive kids that they are, there was no longer any reason to move. Instead, if they wanted to actually win, they just sat down and performed the required flicks.

Interesting, my six year old jumps all over the video game room in our house like he's actually doing what's in the game. I think the thing is great for kids.

 

[karrie]

Interesting, my six year old jumps all over the video game room in our house like he's actually doing what's in the game. I think the thing is great for kids.

when they weren't playing competitively, they'd go ahead and play it that way too. But if they were aiming for a high score, or playing a player against player game, it all went to wrist flicks. I was really disappointed.

 

[TenPenny]

Don't be too disappointed, Karrie, there are times when boys need practice at flicking their wrists. Might as well get them started now.

 

[Praxius]

It's worth its cost for an adult. Don't buy it for kids. It took all of two hours at Christmas before the house full of kids realized that minute wrist flicks generate more force and precision in the game play than full movements do, and, being competitive kids that they are, there was no longer any reason to move. Instead, if they wanted to actually win, they just sat down and performed the required flicks.

I've been doing that with a few of the games myself.... but other things I have noticed, you can't get the exact desired effect unless you get into the proper pose.

And the WiiFit isn't something that's easily fooled, as you need to stand on it for many of the games and exercises they have. Even if you prop yourself up on a table, etc..... you're still not really cheating, as it states to brace yourself if you are not very balanced.

Another game I have that you can't simply wrist flick is Rayman Raving Rabbids..... lost of mini games to play, all the movement requirements are different for each, and many of them sure burn the hell out of you, lol.

 

[Praxius]

when they weren't playing competitively, they'd go ahead and play it that way too. But if they were aiming for a high score, or playing a player against player game, it all went to wrist flicks. I was really disappointed.

Well I have found the WiiFit avoids this little problem, as you compete with your balance and co-ordination, not just wrist flicks, so perhaps that'd be something to check out. I know my girlfriend and I are continually battling it out between each other...... that and when my mom popped over yesterday, she had a good laugh. And the longer you play the Fit, no matter how bad or good you are, it adds up your time played and as you gain time on the game, more games unlock that you can play/try.

Which is also another neat thing, as you make your profile, it checks your weight, height, balance, co-ordination and gives you a BMI..... it records your stats from the first day you try it, and you can test yourself anytime you like to see how you progress in your workouts, etc.

It also gives you some pointers on things you could be doing throughout the day, shows you which exercises or yoga poses work good together to focus on certain areas of your body...... all in all, it's pretty good.

Plus if you're kids arn't into the yoga and fitness stuff, they have other games which the kids will enjoy and will also get them active.

 

[Praxius]

Don't be too disappointed, Karrie, there are times when boys need practice at flicking their wrists. Might as well get them started now.

*tisk* oh you.... tee he he....

Or did you mean the other flicking of the wrists? Funny, I only use one hand for that.