In a fast growing trend, seniors are trading in their Bingo chips for
video games. And these video games are great for aging bodies because the participiants are getting exercise at the same time.
Virtual bowling leagues are popping up everywhere. In
fact, Nintendo Wii bowling has become so popular, one of the nation's
largest health care companies is donating them to centers across the
country - and are hosting the First Annual Health Net Cup, a series of
tournaments to help seniors get moving and stay healthy.
Gone
are the days of sedentary activities at senior centers. Seniors are
taking it to the virtual lanes - lanes that are enlarged to almost
life-size - and are battling for bragging rights as the top bowler at
their local senior center. As they cheer and high five each other, the
three highest scoring bowlers at each center are awarded a bronze,
silver or gold medal based on their scores. In the process, they also
expand the possibilities for what seniors can do to stay active.
Research
shows that even mild exercise slows or reverses the physical decline
associated with aging. And, recent studies have found that interactive
video games not only provide needed socialization for seniors - but
also can improve both mental and physical health to prolong independent
living.
