Seniors Enjoying Wii Bowling Leagues and Tournaments

The popularity of the Nintendo Wii has been increasing this year among seniors, as they look for new, low impact, ways that they can get exercise while living at a nursing home or assisted living facility. One game in particular is a hit with seniors, and surprisingly it is the free Wii Sports game that comes with the system. Specifically seniors are very into playing Wii bowling, as it was a common activity which many would participate in earlier in their life. However as many seniors age, it becomes harder for them to commute to a lane and pick up the heavy balls so that they can bowl with friends. Now, thanks to the Nintendo Wii, seniors at nursing homes and other facilities have a way to stay on top of their bowling skills, with very little chance of getting injured. In fact, Wii bowling is becoming so popular that seniors are actually participating in leagues and tournaments, so they can see whose bowling skills shine above the rest.

In North Carolina, Liberty HomeCare & Hospice Services created a nine-team Wii bowling league to give seniors a fun way to enjoy one of their new past times. The first match took place in late July between the Strikers and Autumn Sports, where the Strikers came out on top. More Wii bowling matches are planned for the senior league, and the games are expected to last through September. Similar events are also taking place in southern Florida, where seniors at Southwest Focal Point Senior Center had a Wii bowling tournament last month. There were twelve senior bowlers who broke into teams, and battled it out with the virtual bowling game. Not only do these games promote movement and exercise for the seniors, but they’re also a great way for seniors to socialize and interact with each other in a competitive way. Hopefully more senior facilities will catch onto the Wii bowling craze, and make it an option for their residents.