Physical Improvements

Although the Wii may not provide as intense a workout as more traditional cardio and resistance equipment, seniors are improving their hand-eye coordination and balance using the Wii. Most importantly, they're having fun, Zinberg says.

"Our members love it because it's entertaining," says Zinberg, whose nine clubs have set up Wii rooms complete with a big-screen TV and a gaming system. "After they've improved their exercise ability through their workouts, they can perform better on the Wii than they have before."

Jona Leo is finding the same thing among residents at Trail Ridge Retirement Community in Sioux Falls, SD. Since he began a wellness program at the community a year ago, many residents are participating in the group exercise classes and working out in the fitness room simply so they can sharpen their skills on the Wii.

"By participating in the wellness program, they're able to stand up without using a chair, or they are able to bowl 10 frames without getting tired," says Leo, the Trail Ridge wellness director.

One advantage of the Wii is that it can be modified for any fitness level, says Peggy Buchanan, director of fitness and aquatics at Vista del Monte Retirement Community in Santa Barbara, CA, which purchased a Wii system for each of its 13 centers a year ago. At her center, residents in all the levels of care — independent, assisted living and skilled nursing — play games on the Wii.

Milner says the Wii has surged in popularity for this very reason.

"The Wii is social, it's engaging, and it can be used at any level of fitness and health," he says. "We've seen people in wheelchairs, walkers and canes [using the Wii]. It's not discriminating, and it helps to break down that barrier."

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