Twilight Wish Foundation

Wheeeeeeeeee!!! for Wii: Seniors take to the game

In senior centers and nursing homes across the country, seniors are taking up Wii --the interative Nintendo video game. They are hosting bowling parties -- the most popular use of the Wii, and even celebrating the world szeries with a home-run derby.

Whereas heavy real bowling balls kept many away from the sport -- as did their ability to get to the lanes -- Wii bowling offers a light "ball" and a way to exercise where they live and play. And exercise is great for both physical and mental health.

"It has energized this community beyond anything you can imagine," said Shirley Powell, 80, whose husband heads the residents association at Southampton Estates, near Philadelphia, according to a story in the Philadelphia Inquirer.

"A lot of times, people come in here under protest," Powell explained. "Their children want them to be here. They can't live alone. And they sort of surrender to life.

"This game has brought people out," she added. "They come early and sign up so they have a good spot in the roster. It's a sense of independence. They can come and bowl. It's exciting for them. Some people think because you're 80 or 85 that you can't do anything anymore. And that is so untrue. So untrue."

Wii was the second-best-selling video-game console in America in 2007, according to a Nintendo spokesman, with nearly 6.3 million systems sold. Nintendo says 24 percent of Wii players are 50 or older.

It's also a terrific way for all the generations to play together -- and get to know one another.
Teens, especially those who don't usually visit nursing homes, can find a comfort level in visiting now that they have a common interest with so many residents.

posted by Twilight scribe @ 1:44 PM 0 comments

Seniors, it's cold outside! What to do

In much of the country, now is the time to combat the cold. But it's a tougher chore for seniors than many other folks.

In "very young and very old people, their immune system tends to be weaker," Dr. Jorge Fleisher told the Boston Globe. Also, "when elderly individuals are exposed to the cold, they may not control their body temperature as well."

Because it's so cold, seniors often opt to stay indoors where toxins and viruses accumulate -- and increase their risk of getting sick, Fleisher said.

And then seniors don't respond as well to vaccines and treatments as adults, he said.

So what's a senior to do?
* Know the weather outside and what is predicted
* Understand that wind chill increases cold-weather risks
* Prepare for days when you are unable to go shopping or keep appointments
* Keep a stock of nonperishable foods, such as canned soup, crackers, peanut butter and dry cereal
* Store flashlights and other items that would be needed in a power outage
* Dress in multiple, dry layers of loose-fitting clothing and pairs of thick socks
* Wear long-underwear!
* Keep your face and extremities covered -- wear a scarf, hat and gloves
* Don't use space heaters, especially in the bedroom -- instead, install insulation and weather stripping

posted by Twilight scribe @ 6:02 PM 0 comments