N.L. seniors home hooked on Wii
03.09.2008 21:00
Health
- Source: cbc.ca
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'm willing to learn something different if I can. I'm old now.'—Isabella Barnes, 89, Carmelite House resident"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. Story Tools: E-MAIL | PRINT | Text Size: SMLXL | REPORT TYPO | SEND YOUR FEEDBACKRelatedAudio Carolyn Ray reports: Seniors home hooked on Wii (Runs: 1:27) Play: Real Media »Health Headlines'Some concern' over BPA's effects on human growth: U.S. reportU.S. government toxicology experts on Wednesday expressed 'some concern' over bisphenol A, a chemical used in plastic baby bottles, saying it may be linked to health and developmental problems in children.Blood calcium levels may be tipoff for deadly prostate cancer Men with too much calcium in their blood could be at much higher risk for fatal prostate cancer, a new study suggests.PM pledges listeriosis probePrime Minister Stephen Harper has promised an independent investigation will be launched into the deadly outbreak of listeriosis that sparked a nationwide recall of meat products.Teen suicides dip in U.S., experts worry rate remains highThe number of teen suicides has fallen slightly but the rate remains disturbingly high, researchers said, possibly fuelled by drug warnings that have scared many away from using antidepressants.Exercise linked to better memory in older test subjectsAs little as 20 minutes a day of aerobic exercise could help people over 50 improve their memory, a new study suggests. Health FeaturesIN DEPTHGardasilSevere side-effects rare, concerns lingerYOUR INTERVIEWListeriosisDr. Allison McGeer answers your questionsVIDEOListeriosis Dr. Dara Maker answers questions about outbreak (4:35)IN DEPTHMedical isotopesThe backbone of nuclear medicineNUTRITIONFood supplyNorth America's most endangered foodsVIDEOUniversity nutritionDos and don'ts of dorm dining (5:46)People who read this also read …
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