One of the things some seniors struggle with is finding physical activities they can do to keep their mind and bodies working, while avoiding falls and other injuries.
The Hannibal Nutrition Center has offered exercise classes to area seniors for years.
But now an activity usually played by teenagers is keeping seniors active and fit. Seniors gather around a television screen to play sports on the Wii gaming system every morning and afternoon. These cyber athletes say this game really helps with hand-eye coordination. And you know the old saying, "use it or lose it"? These seniors say playing these games keeps their hearts light and their minds young.
What do you think about the Wii?
Wii Athlete Hirmaline Whitney said, "I think it's great. Great exercise, that's what we need,. The more exercise you get at our age, the better. You're thinking about what you're doing, you're trying to do things right so you're working hard at it, you're using this."
But perhaps even more important, it opens the door to new experiences for a generation which sometimes has trouble adapting to the digital age.
You said you're a bowler, how close is this to bowling in real life?
Wii Athlete Geri Riney said, "This is a lot harder."
Nutrition Center Director Debbie Catlett says when the Wii first arrived, the group was hesitant but not anymore. Now a group quickly gathers to play and cheer on the contestants.
Catlett says the game is a fun and not-so-overwhelming way to introduce them to the basics of computing.
Catlett said, "I think it helps them use it but I also think it helps them understand they can do things their grandchildren can do and it gives them knowledge and abilities to do that with them."
It also gives folks who can't physically play anymore the ability to get back in the game.
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