Wesley Health Care Center in Saratoga Springs is one of many health centers and physical therapy centers using the Wii video game system to help patients of all ages recover from injury and surgery. Combined with the use of weights, stability balls and balance boards these activities have become more than child's play and have brought innovative fun to what can be painful and sometimes monotonous exercise.
Nintendo has also been pitching the Wii to older generations by partnering with Florida retirement communities and setting up a booth at last year's AARP Life@50+ event in Anaheim. Video games will help keep older people moving and staying active.
This Christmas my kids were lucky enough to find a Wii under the tree and I too was surprised at how much fun my 72 year old mother had bowling with her grandchildren.
Hopefully, Nintendo will continue to encourage active paly among all age groups. Who knows Grandma may even give up Tuesday night Bingo for Tueday night Wii Bowling! It could happen!!
What Makes This Trend Stand Out
- Gamification in Healthcare
- The use of gaming technology, like the Wii, in physical therapy centers is providing a fun and engaging way for patients to recover from injury and surgery.
- Technology for Active Aging
- Partnering with retirement communities and promoting video games to older generations is encouraging physical activity and helping seniors stay active.
- Inter-generational Entertainment
- The Wii is bridging the generation gap by providing a platform for grandparents and grandchildren to bond and have fun together through gaming experiences.
Sectors Adopting This
- Healthcare
- The Wii and other gaming technologies have the potential to disrupt the traditional methods of physical therapy and rehabilitation.
- Gaming and Entertainment
- Video game companies, like Nintendo, can capitalize on the growing trend of using gaming for therapeutic purposes and cater to a wider range of age groups.
- Retirement and Senior Care
- Retirement communities can embrace the use of technology, such as the Wii, to create active and engaging environments for their residents.
