Motion Games Beneficial for the Elderly

One in three adults over 65 will have a fall resulting in serious injury this year, but motion games may be able to change that.

According to Neuroscience Research Australia's Stuart Smith, motion games like Fruit Ninja could be used to help the elderly recover from medical problems, stay fit and even prevent devastating falls. "The games really get your heart rate up, get you moving, and it's the type of activity you can do in your own home," Smith told the Herald Sun.

"The health benefits are physical and mental, because you're using your body … to smash the fruit on the screen, but you also have to concentrate your mind because the fruit moves so swiftly," 80 year old Zelma Riddell said after playing the game. Riddell also cited the game’s cathartic, stress-relieving properties. "I could see myself playing this at home as a means of facing aggression, much better than shouting at the television."

With internet connections constantly improving, Smith says there’s potential for online games to help connect the elderly who live alone with other gamers, friends and family, and even overseas health professionals.

It’s recommended that the elderly participate in at least 150 minutes of moderately intense aerobic exercise a week.

Maybe you should give grandma a copy of Skyward sword this Christmas.

[Source: Herald Sun]