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Picking Video Games For The Elderly

10th February, 2011 - Posted by health news - No Comments

Since it was first introduced, the Nintendo Wii has been played by people of all ages. The Wii became a huge hit very quickly when it was first introduced because it let users get up and move during play., but since that time 2 competing companies have entered the market: the PlayStation Move and the xbox 360 kinect and although the Move is similar to the Wii in that a person uses a controller in their hand, the Xbox takes motion gaming to a new level because the person is the controller. The fact that there is no need to hold something in their hand and push buttons makes this very popular among senior citizens. Because of a lack of dexterity, this is something that the older people find more enjoyable.
Microsoft wants to target this audience as much as possible and with the recent xbox 360 kinect release date they could be in for a bigger share of seniors which make up over 25% of the gaming market, and is continually growing as our country gets older and more people who enjoyed video games when they were younger are turning into senior citizens and do not fear the latest technology like the seniors of the past did. It is hard not to notice that the companies are well aware of the potential sales to senior citizens and are looking for ways to fulfill their needs.
How come a game is popular with the older generation? Senior citizen centers have found that the systems can help get the older residents up and moving. If a game gets a person off their feet in a good way, it can be successful. There are also several exercise games that are being developed specifically for the older generation. In general the senior gamers are not looking for games that are very complex. They are not as concerned with how great the graphics are. They are not necessarily looking to take over the world in a shoot-em up game. Rather they want to find a game that is familiar to them and easy for them to pick up and start playing.
Today’s platforms have plenty of accessories that a person can buy. There are ways for people to play with friends online. This is what the young gamer of today is looking for in a platform. This is not something that the elderly are willing to buy for their platforms. It is more a matter of getting a basic platform and a few games.
There is no denying that a video game can help the older generation get the physical exercise they need, Many doctors and health professionals have found that the new systems are good at helping a person rehabilitate their body. Using motion gaming can be a very social activity. Make sure that the game that you choose is not for a single player only so that you can share it with others.
Many young people and old people will find that they can play the games together. It allows them to have something in common. It is hard to stop a child from playing a video game. Kids also enjoy the time that they play with their parents or grandparents so why not combine the two. The Nintendo platform has many party and family type games. Many of the titles are not as complicated and easy for people to share. Despite the fact that there are games like this for the Sony and Microsoft consoles, they are better suited for someone who is more advanced in their abilities.
Competition between the gaming companies is very stiff and is not going away. Time will only tell which one will win in the end, but seniors should embrace the fact that motion gaming has taken video games to a whole new level. That is a nice change in the toy market that should put a smile on a seniors face as they play their games.