BENEFITS OF THE Wii VIDEO GAME IN GERIATRIC COMMUNITIES

BENEFITS OF THE Wii VIDEO GAME IN GERIATRIC COMMUNITIES
Mary M. O’Meara, MS2, Lisa Granville, MD, Suzanne Baker, MA, Ceola Grant, CRC, EdS
Department of Geriatrics, College of Medicine, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida
This work was supported by a grant from the Donald W. Reynolds Foundation and the Charles R. Mathews Scholarship for Geriatrics Education and Research.
The investigators retained full independence in the conduct of this research.
Abstract
Background
The Nintendo Wii and other active video games have
allowed people to enjoy a physically engaging entertainment
experience. These games have become popular even among
elderly residents in retirement communities. Yet despite
extensive research on the pediatric social and physical
benefits of active video games, little data is available
concerning their effects in geriatric populations.
PURPOSE: This project is an exploratory study of how the Wii video game is
utilized in Tallahassee independent living facilities given its increasing popularity
among seniors. This poster describes different program approaches to using the
Wii and explores its perceived benefits to seniors.
METHODS: In-depth structured interviews were conducted with service
coordinators at three independent living facilities currently using the Wii. The
coordinators described their Wii programs and lessons they learned implementing
the programs. Then seniors who regularly participate in Wii programs at each
facility completed written surveys. The survey goals were to find out the
characteristics of seniors who play Wii, what games they play, how often they
play, and to explore their perceptions of the benefits of the Wii. The final step was
conducting focus groups at each facility with senior gamers. The focus group
goals were to allow seniors to elaborate on the survey questions and share more
about Wii usage in their communities.
FINDINGS: The service coordinators each had a unique Wii program structure
with varying levels of access to the game systems. All expressed positive views
about the use of Wii Sports with older adults. The survey showed that senior
gamers ranged in age from 74 to 93 with an average age of 85 years old. Twentyfour percent of the respondents were male. Eighty-six percent of seniors report
exercising in addition to using the Wii. Bowling was the most popular game and
all except one senior played at least once a week for 30 minutes. Only two gamers
reported they are still learning how to play while most report learning within the
first session they played (71%). Since starting Wii use, 30% reported increased
ability to balance and 37% reported increased flexibility. A total of nineteen
seniors participated in the focus groups. All focus groups expressed desire to use
more games and have more opportunities to use the Wii game system. All except
one senior viewed the Wii game sessions as entertaining and beneficial to their
health.
CONCLUSION: We have found Wii Sports use can be a positive activity for
seniors. It offers both social and health benefits to participants and is easy to use
even for seniors with limited gaming experience.
Results
•
•
•
Service Coordinator interviews showed that all three
programs shared:
•
•
•
•
One game system at the facility
Video game programs running for several years
Bowling as the most popular and often used game
Mostly Caucasian gamers
Methods
The first step of the project was to conduct in-depth
interviews with the service coordinators at three independent
living facilities that have successful ongoing Wii programs
for seniors.
• We were also interested in finding out from the service
coordinators what lessons they learned along the way in
developing their programs.
The second step of the research was to conduct a survey of
seniors who participate in Wii programs on a regular basis at
each of the three facilities.
• The goals of the survey were to find out the
characteristics of seniors who play Wii, what games they
play, how often they play, and to explore seniors’
perceptions of risks and benefits to playing the Wii.
The third step of the research was to conduct focus groups
with seniors who participate in Wii programs at each facility.
• The goal of the focus groups was to allow seniors gamers
the opportunity to elaborate on the survey questions and
allow them to share more about Wii usage in their
communities.
Characteristics of Seniors Who Play Wii (N=21)
Average age
85.25
(range 74-93)
Percent male
Educational level
High school
Vocational school
College
Advanced degree
Respondents who report that they
exercise in addition to playing Wii
24
29%
14%
33%
24%
86%
 Respondents have been playing Wii 5
months to 4 years
 Only 2 of 21 report that they are still
learning; 71%most report learning within the
first session they played
 All report bowling being the most popular
and often played game
 20 respondents report playing at least once a
week for at least 30 minutes
Service Coordinator interviews also elucidated the following
differences in the programs:
•
How new players learned to play the active video game:
One facility had veteran gamers instructing new players vs.
the activity director filling this teaching role at other two
facilities
•
Level of senior autonomy and supervision with game
activities: Two facilities only had the Wii system available
for residents at a set time weekly with staff present during
the gaming session vs. one location where the game is
signed out for group use at various scheduled times during
week with the gamers setting up the equipment and
tracking scores independently
Since Playing Wii Seniors Reported the Following
Impacts on Their Health
Activity
Decreased Unchanged Increased
Sleep
5%
85%
10%
Body weight
10%
90%
0%
Balance
15%
55%
30%
Worry/anxiety
15%
75%
10%
Flexibility
11%
53%
37%
Muscle/joint pain
6%
69%
25%
Depression/sadness
15%
80%
5%
Appetite
0%
84%
16%
Reported Social Benefits of Playing Wii
Benefits of Playing Wii
Meet new people
Make new friends
Socialize besides Wii
Feel connected to other residents
Have more conversations
Yes
17
16
13
18
16
No
3
4
8
3
4
(n=20)
(n=20)
(n=21)
(n=21)
(n=20)
Lessons Learned About
Developing a Wii Program
•
•
Make sure the program is well advertised at the facility.
•
Make game available to seniors and their family members
for a multigenerational playing experience.
•
Provide opportunities for team competitions either within
or between facilities.
Provide an orientation session to familiarize seniors with
the games and show them how to play.
Conclusions & Discussion
•
•
•
•
•
•
Wii Sports use can be a positive activity for seniors.
Seniors self report social and health benefits.
Wii enhanced, not replaced, other activities.
Bowling was the most popular game.
90% reported no injuries from playing.
Easy to use regardless of gaming experience and age.