By Julia Boyle
THE ERICKSON TRIBUNE

Nintendo’s latest gaming system, the Wii (pronounced “wee”), has been flying off store shelves since it was released last December. To the surprise of the national media, the game has become wildly popular with older adults.

Nintendo players make the news
People who live at Seabrook in Tinton Falls have become avid “gamers” since the Wii system was installed in the Village Center music room in May. Earlier this summer, the trendsetters caught the eye of the local media and were featured on Fox News.

The segment, entitled  "Wii-tirement,” went live on the network’s website in June and aired on television in early July. Featuring an age group unlikely to be playing video games, the segment focused on the fun—and healthy—benefits of playing Wii.

Doctors love it too
Marie Guttenberg, one of Seabrook’s regular Wii bowlers, says most people play for the exercise and because it’s fun. “Having the set here is great. It makes us move more and stay active, which can be tougher as we age,” she says.

Gamers can play Wii alone or with up to four players. Guttenberg enjoys it either way, but says she prefers to compete against herself instead of others. “I find that I can do that with bowling and keep trying to improve myself,” she says.

Playing keeps her mind and body active, which has doctors praising the game system. “It simulates playing a sport, but because the controller is so easy to use almost anyone can play it, no matter their physical condition,” says Dimitri Cefalu, M.D., Seabrook’s medical director. “It also keeps them socially active as well, which is vital to good health.”

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