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. Continue reading Read More

Motion Gaming For Seniors

5th February, 2011 - Posted by health news - No Comments

The way people are using video games is different than how it used to be. Now, people are using their bodies as controllers. Not only are kids playing the games, but so are their parents and even their grandparents. Senior living facilities are using motion gaming as a rehabilitation tool.The older generation has found that they are not alone playing games and has been a way for them to enjoy each others company. Many senior facilities have found that motion gaming is a good activity for seniors to enjoy. Game systems like the Nintendo Wii, The xbox 360 kinect and the Playstation Move have brought out the competitive nature of the senior citizens and video gaming tournaments are regularly held between different senior centers and while he majority of the seniors at the community centers love motion gaming they occasionally get frustrated with the controls because they forget which button to push or are unsure about how to play some of the games. But once that is overcome, they often enjoy the physical activity that comes with these games.While many gamers have become very excited with the recent xbox 360 kinect release date, many senior citizens have become loyal to the Nintendo Wii which has been around for many years and this is because it allows a player to interact with the gaming system using a remote control and various other devices to simulate playing familiar sports such as tennis or bowling. What makes motion gaming different is that it makes the user interact using the body’s major muscle groups, and not just the hands as with most other video games.People have been using technology to help get them moving form many years. Something about these new video games has made the way a person moves their body different. The interactive nature of the games allows a person to become part of the game. Before the television had a person who was acting out and all a person could do was to follow along. Now they are the person on the screen. Not only can the elderly get the exercise they need, but it can also be used to help them get the exercise they need after they are injured.When people play today’s games they are not only challenging their body, they are challenging their brain. Research has shown that playing these games can help older people with many conditions that include Parkinson’s disease, and Alzheimer’s. The good things that these games can do has been noticed by the people who make them. Games are no longer designed for younger users alone. A person can find a game that is designed for someone of just about any age. To meet the demand of the older generation the game makers are developing titles that will be popular with them.Video games have been around for many decades. People who were gamers back in the seventies are still playing games. Senior citizens are not afraid of gaming because it is something they have always done. The only thing that is different is how good the platforms have become. Continue reading Read More

How To Pick A Video Game

30th January, 2011 - Posted by health news - No Comments

The first thing a person does is to get a gaming platform. The video game systems usually require some type of software to play on them. Store shelves have plenty to choose from. A person should be able to find something that they enjoy doing if they take a little time. The market is full of different types of games that are played in many ways. People have different tastes and it is there job to find something that satisfies their tastes. Knowing a few things in advance could make the search for the perfect title a little simpler. Continue reading Read More

Do Our Children Play Too Many Video Games.

28th January, 2011 - Posted by health news - No Comments

How much gaming is too much? Young people get a lot of enjoyment from gaming. When should the adults in the home turn the consoles off to stop their kids from playing? Growing up is about experiencing a lot of different things that will help a child grow. It is up to the parents to help them learn that balance. Continue reading Read More

A Video Game Birthday

28th January, 2011 - Posted by health news - No Comments

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