Will the older generation soon be leading the way in computer gaming?

We’ve all heard of Silver Surfers, and Groovy Grannies, but there’s a new trend descending upon us; Gaming Grandpas!

Not so long ago computer games and consoles were monopolised by the World’s teenagers. The notion of ‘gaming’ immediately conjures up images of shoot ‘em up and racing games adored by children and detested by parents!

However, this world of games and gadgetry seems to be undergoing a significant shift.

The large gaming companies, led by the giant Nintendo, seem to be moving away from the traditional teen games, to ones more aimed at the older generation. Games that promote problem solving and logic are gradually taking over the shelves in the high street stores, and with it the average age of users is creeping up.

Last Christmas, the hot gift for parents and grandparents was not the usual M&S voucher, or bottle of sherry, instead topping Santa’s list was a Nintendo DS. This small hand held games console can now be found in the handbags of retirees across the globe. Instead of teenagers on buses annoying other passengers with bleeps and music from games, it’s now the grandmas at the front trying to improve their ‘brain age’ on the Brain Train game.

The DS is not Nintendo’s only device favoured by the older generation; the incredibly popular Wii is also a winner. Plugged into your tv, the Wii allows you to play games through physical simulation using the motion-sensor hand controls. Across the UK and America the Nintendo Wii can be found in homes and care establishments as a way to encourage moderate physical exercise.

So, have the gaming companies just spotted a way to cash in on the grey pound, or do these games offer a real benefit to senior users?

The initial consensus is looking good.

Many care home professionals are finding the Nintendo Wii offers residents a new way to exercise, improving their fitness and hand-eye coordination, and bringing a bit of fun into their daily routine. Different games require different levels of exertion so can be chosen to suit the individual, and all games offer training and encourage improvement.

Ashminster House in Willesborough, Kent, owned by Barchester Healthcare, has recently installed an Nintendo Wii for residents. According to the operations manager, Bernard Boyle, all the residents are really enjoying the Wii. “It is very new to them but they have taken to it instantly.” He said.

“The games have encouraged them to be active and have fun. The weather does not always lend itself to taking residents outside for exercise so this ensures they can exercise whenever they wish.”

Dr Lorna Layward of Research into Ageing, said: “We are working with Barchester on the Fitness to Care initiative to help older residents improve overall health.

“Our bodies are never beyond improving and respond surprisingly well to lifestyle changes whatever the age. Keeping fit forms part of a holistic approach to living life to the full in later years.”

They seem convinced the Nintendo Wii has real benefits, and Nintendo themselves must be confident it’s not just a passing phase; their newest innovation is the Wii fit, a programme targeted specifically towards improving balance, fitness and coordination.

But what about the DS? As a personal console with a small screen and small buttons the DS has a limited application for the elderly, but it still seems to be proving itself amongst the older generation. Health professionals have long seen the benefit of crosswords, puzzles and logic problems for the brain, and this computerised version is a great way to encourage middle aged and older people to keep their brain active.

Nintendo’s Brain Age game (a series of number and word puzzles) has seen praise from doctors and neuropsychiatrists, who seem to be in agreement that the game’s light intelligence puzzles stimulate the brain and can offset dementia and Alzheimer’s.

So it looks like this new revolution in gaming could be here to stay. Perhaps we’ll soon see the queues of teenagers waiting for the latest release on Oxford Street replaced by queues of grandmas and grandpas, waiting patiently for the newest Wii or DS game!

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