By Holly M. Hall, Meadows at Mercy Creek
A group of residents gathers in the theater room at their retirement community. Catherine stands facing a TV screen that depicts a bowling lane, raises her hand, and goes through the exact motions she would use if she were holding a 13-pound ball. As a result of her efforts, the screen reads “STRIKE!” as fellow residents applaud and issue high-fives.
With the benefits of combining technology and wellness, video games are not just for kids anymore. People of all ages are benefiting from the development of gaming systems that focus on exercise and wellness. Gaming systems, such as Wii and Microsoft Kinect for Xbox 360, allow users to enjoy the physical, mental, and social attributes of games including bowling, golf, tennis, dance, and more.
Many senior living communities have recognized the benefits of gaming systems and are purchasing and promoting their use, and including gaming opportunities as a part of their resident wellness program. Microsoft Kinect is an attachment for the Xbox 360 that uses motion-sensing technology to allow users to perform different types of physical movements in order to achieve the goals of a particular game or physical activity. This technology allows players to participate in activities in a safe and comfortable environment.
The Kinect bowling group started with a handful of residents interested in learning to Kinect bowl and has grown to a large thriving group of excited residents that gather for virtual bowling several times a week. Kinect golf was more recently introduced and interest in golfing is growing.
“We have about 25 to 30 residents playing. Everybody has a good time,” says Bob Cunningham, a resident at Meadows at Mercy Creek who volunteers to help run the bowling and golf programs. “We all play to win, but we also cheer each other on,” he says. Bob, who enjoyed bowling and golf as a younger adult, appreciates that he is able to get back into activities he once enjoyed.
Many experts agree and studies have shown that participation in activities, such as virtual bowling and golf, may lead to improved balance, coordination, and strength, and could help to prevent falls. “It’s a wonderful opportunity to improve residents’ well-being,” says Russell Schwartz, Meadows at Mercy Creek administrator. “It gets people active, engaged, and into a positive social environment.”
Kinect allows seniors of all skill levels and abilities to play. Beginner sessions allow residents who are newly interested in bowling or golf an opportunity to learn the game. The activities are easy to learn and the motions and emotions of participants are quite similar to playing the real game. It’s a great way to exercise, socialize, and build camaraderie.
For more information about senior living at Meadows at Mercy Creek or to schedule a tour, you may contact Holly Hall at 309-268-1501. They are located at 1501 Mercy Creek Drive in Normal (near the intersection of Raab Road and Towanda-Barnes Road). They are currently placing interested seniors on their waitlist for available apartment homes with a full array of services and amenities and independent living villa homes.
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