Cedar Crest gamers hop on new market bandwagon

By Julia Boyle
THE ERICKSON TRIBUNE

Nintendo’s Wii (pronounced “wee”) gaming system has been flying off store shelves. The game has become wildly popular with older adults.

“We’ve become a whole new market for video games, which I think is wonderful,” says Barbara Winter, who lives at Cedar Crest.

People at the community have become avid “gamers” since Resident Life installed the Wii system in the Woodland Commons Clubhouse in May. Earlier this summer the trendsetters caught the eye of the local media.

The feature focused on the fun—and healthy—benefits of playing Wii.

Doctors love it too
Mary Creadick, one of Cedar Crest’s regular Wii bowlers, says most people play for the socialization and because it’s fun. “The number of players seems to grow every happy hour. It’s sociable and anyone can do it. That excites me the most,” she says.

Gamers can play Wii alone or with up to four players. Creadick has been teaching people how to use the game system, but says many have started teaching each other.

Lyn Evans never played Nintendo before, but says she has taken to the game because “it’s very real.” She plays tennis, one of the other four games available in addition to bowling. “You do see physical benefits because, in tennis, you have to actually swing your arm and try to hit [the ball] hard,” she says.

Playing keeps the mind and body active, which has doctors praising the game system. “I think it’s great because it improves hand-eye coordination and balance. It’s also a great opportunity for them to get into an exercise that they like,” says Roland Lascari, M.D., Cedar Crest’s medical director.

As easy to use as TV remote
The Wii’s wireless, handheld controller detects threedimensional motion and allows almost anyone to bowl for hours and enjoy high-tech fun with their friends.