This morning I read a local newspaper article about how a Evergreen Woods Health and Rehabilitation Center is using the Wii Sports games in Physical Therapy for their clients. This has become such a popular form of therapy that it is also being used in the PT Department when there is no therapy taking place. Residents have to schedule games in advance to have some extra fun.

The Rehab Coordinator, Scott Bevereridge says that the Wii sports package not only helps with coordination, increasing strength but with something called “high-level dynamic balance activities”. This means that when walking or standing, if something happens to thrown them off balance they can learn to quickly respond to that incident. This prevents falls.

Another aspect of having the Wii is the socialization that takes place. Many residents who felt isolated and lonely are coming out of their shells and look forward to competing. They’ve made friends along the way too.

On Thursday, March 27th, Evergreen Woods is holding a Wii Bowling Tournament for residents over the age of 75. This may bring the joy of these games to other older people who have never touched a video game before.

For more information on this story, please see the St. Petersburg Times, Hernando Times section of March 25th article.

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