Walking sticks and zimmer frames proved to be good aid on a Wii-Fit last week when residents at Abbeyfield houses in Yorkshire, Essex and Nottinghamshire became members of the latest generation to become enamored with the computer game that aims to improve fitness.
Abbeyfield resident Joan Jenkinson, aged 81, tried out the ski jump and slalom games at Abbeyfield in Braintree, Essex and pronounced the experience "I loved it!, I would like to have another go". The demonstration held at the Abbeyfield house in Braintree proved a great success with the residents, average age 84.
Staff and volunteers at the homes which provide support and care facilities for older people, as well as friends and families of the residents, were also given the opportunity to have a go. Abbeyfield Chief Executive Paul Allen says "
A trained Nintendo host was on site at all three venues encouraging the residents, their families, friends and staff to try out the games. Each session lasted 2 hours each and were part of Abbeyfield Week which ran from the 6th to the 14th of June.
In Ilkley, West Yorkshire, resident Abbeyfield resident Margaret "Peggy" Phillips aged 87, also tried out the games with other residents, including Agnes "Westie" Kingsman, 100 years old, were also given the chance to stretch their grey matter on Nintendo DS Touch Generation games created to "stimulate the brain".