GorillaOffTopic, Everything But Gorilla Trades

It’s amusing to think of an elderly group of people playing video games, but if you have frequented a retirement home lately, that is very likely, exactly what you will see. Yes, folks, it’s true. It seems that many older folks are finding that video games are a popular pastime. Specifically, the popular bowling game by Nintendo’s Wii video gaming system. It is not news really that the Japanese electronics giant has been going after the over 50 baby boomer crowd in hopes that they have some post-retirement time on their hands. But, the over 70 crowd?  The games seem to be just as popular with this age demographic as well. What ever happened to shuffleboard anyway? The days of traditional, old-fashioned games, such as Canasta, are numbered as the demand for the popular Wii rises among seniors. The truth is, according to the Entertainment Software Association, 25% of all gamers are actually 55 and older. Wow! Who knew? The Gorilla should not be surprised since his friend’s father (who is around 74) is a big fan of Madden 08′ for Sony’s handheld PSP gaming system. The guy just can’t get enough. But the thought of some of those elderly folks at the rest home, throwing that virtual bowling ball on the Wii system just cracks him up (in a good way!), but that is exactly what is happening.  Elderly folks are having “bowling tournaments” using the game, and if you have ever tried this fun game, you know why. It actually simulates the action of bringing one’s arm back and throwing a bowling ball down an alley. It’s so popular some people say that they can’t put the thing down because they enjoy it that much. I’ve never been into video games,” said 72-year-old Flora Dierbach last week, as her husband took a twirl with the Nintendo Wii’s bowling game, “but this is addictive.” She said residents love the Wii set up in the clubhouse lounge. Interestingly, many grandparents are being taught to play by their grand kids, but in a new twist, some grandparents actually say they are the ones teaching their grandchildren how to use the games!  

Beth Llewelyn is Nintendo’s senior director of corporate communications, and she says making the games user-friendly to the older demographic was always the plan. “People have no fear of picking up a remote control, but they’re hesitant to pick up a video game controller,” Llewelyn said. “So the idea was to make the controller look like a remote control with just a couple of buttons.” Amazingly, since the Wii systems hit stores in November, over 1 million gaming systems have been sold in the U.S. The Gorilla is a huge fan of the Wii and not only is it fun, but it can be great exercise as well, and that is something everyone could use! Happy gaming everyone!