Wii game system shows benefits for elderly

Jackie Bridges

Aug. 21, 2008 (McClatchy-Tribune Regional News delivered by Newstex) -- SHELBY --With an unveiling at a Wii video game, the Neal Center has joined the craze that is not only attracting young people, but adults in other senior centers, assisted living facilities, long-term care facilities and retirement communities.

In addition to being just plain fun, Wii has also shown some unexpected benefits for older adults, said Senior Center Director Lisa Abernethy.

Wii is being used as rehab therapy for patients recovering from a wide scope of ailments, including strokes and broken bones. The games provide "Wii-habilitation" and are great motivation. The motions required playing such games as bowling, golf, tennis and even boxing are extremely similar to the motions required when playing the real sport. Playing Wii also provides wonderful cognitive benefits, which can slow down or reverse age related dementia.

The Wii was given by Mountain Street Pharmacy in Kings Mountain and Shelby Drug and Cleveland Compounding of Shelby.

Beginning Sept. 9, the following games will be offered from 8:30-10:30 a.m. in Twisted Spoon (the coffee shop), located at 100 TR Harris Drive, Shelby. More games will be added later, including billiards, table tennis, duck gallery, fishing, Mahjong, Checkers, Backgammon and Sudoku.

The schedule:

First Tuesday and Wednesday of each month --Wii Bowling

Second Tuesday and Wednesday of each month --Wii Tennis

Third Tuesday and Wednesday of each month --Wii Golf

Fourth Tuesday and Wednesday of each month --Wii Baseball

For more information, please contact the Senior Center at 704-482-3488.

Newstex ID: KRTB-0253-27577683