Granny’s Got Game

This one is happening in my own hometown of Redlands, California, so give props. Dr. Ernie Medina founded something called the XRTainment Zone last September. In an attempt to show seniors that exercise can be fun, he created a Virtual Gym that works out both their minds and bodies. Games played include Wishi Washi (using the EyeToy), Jackie Chan J-Mat Fitness and Wii Bowling, but I’m guessing DDR is out of the question at this point.

Medina’s inspiration didn’t come from seniors however; it came ten years ago from seeing a young girl excitedly and actively playing a video game. He looked into games that fit his so-called “exer-gaming model” with plans of helping children fight obesity, then realized it might work just as well with seniors. 78-year-old Angie Cosme is hooked. She says of the exercise, “This is fun… Also it’s much easier than doing your own windows at home.” Dr. Medina feels that while they lightly exercise, they’re required to concentrate on the game, which increases cognitive function.