Not just for kids

MONTROSE — If you thought the latest Nintendo console, Nintendo Wii, was just for kids, guess again.

Senior citizens all across the nation have been using the video game console for health benefits, including Montrose.

The Nintendo Wii allows users to use a wireless controller that uses body motions to play all kinds of games. The Wii is currently the number one gaming console in the world and can be purchased for $249, much lower than rivals Microsoft's X-Box 360 ($300-$400) and Sony's Play Station 3 ($599).

The Wii has become a popular device used for therapy in assisted living communities, as it is used to help senior citizens stay better fit.

"It keeps them active," said Andrew Sulham, dietary supervisor at Sunrise Creek senior living community. "They are being a part of physical activity, without straining muscles."

Every Nintendo Wii console comes with a game called "Wii Sports," which allows users to play a variety of sports games — including bowling, tennis, boxing and baseball.

Tony Licwinko, Director of Sunrise Creek senior living center, said after hearing great feedback from other senior living communities, Sunrise Creek decided to purchase one and will have it for use by the end of this week.

"It makes exercise more fun," Licwinko said. "The people here are really excited about bowling."

In effort to encourage its residents to use the Wii, Sunrise Creek has already started a Nintendo Wii bowling league, on which there will be three people per team. Licwinko said if the tournament becomes really popular, Sunrise Creek will order bowling team shirts for the league.

At Valley Manor Care Center in Montrose, senior citizens have been using the Nintendo Wii for a year. Candy Franz, business officer at Valley Manor, said the care center used the Wii for mostly therapy exercises.

"It really helps the strengthening of muscles," Franz said. "It's keeping our residents pretty functional."

Nintendo has already recognized the Wii's ability to help better health and has gone as far as to release new games garnered toward the exercise crowd.

In addition to a variety of sports games such as NBA Live 09 and Madden Football 09, Nintendo has released "Fitness Ultimatum," which puts uses through a variety of exercises, "Dancing with the Stars" (based on the reality television show) and Wii Fit, similar to "Fitness Ultimatum."

Lickwinko said tennis, bowling and car racing were the most popular among senior citizens and that he was looking into purchasing Wii Fit for the Sunrise Creek community. He said residents were anticipating the system's arrival there.

"It's very popular," Lickwinko said.