AARP Info on Video Games
I think RTs who work with almost any age of clients may benefit from the following information on video games provided by AARP.
From AARP.Com comes this story (I’ve listed the Wii games but AARP rates several types of video games):
Video Games for Grownups
Here's the inside scoop on some of this year's great (and not-so-great) games for those 50+.
By: Damon Brown | Source: AARP.org | Date Posted: 2008-07-24
It’s official: Grown-ups can have as much fun with video games as kids. AARP is diving in head first, giving you the best (and the worst) games for those 50+. You just need to pick your favorite computer or video-game system, grab a joystick, and have a ball!
"Big Brain Academy: Wii Degree," $50.00, Overall AARP rating of 4 out of 5
http://www.bigbrainacademy.com/
Do logic problems, math calculations, and other brain teasers as quickly as possible, then get ranked and aim for a higher score. As the title implies, it’s a great, fun exercise for your brain that doesn’t even feel like work. You can also compete with up to seven—that’s right, seven, of your friends in the same living room. The original Brain Age and Big Brain Academy are available on the portable Nintendo DS system. Why you should get it: To keep your mind sharp.
"Endless Ocean," $30.00, Overall AARP rating of 3 out of 5
http://www.endlessocean.com/
A tranquil, beautiful game, Endless Ocean accurately recreates deep-sea diving in the South Pacific. Go on missions to find treasures and rare sea creatures, or just wander around the deep at your own pace. The visuals are outstanding, while discovering and learning about real-life mammals like stingrays and dolphins is an educational treat. Why you should get it: To have a quiet gaming experience.
"Rayman Raving Rabbits 2," $50.00, Overall AARP rating of 4 out of 5
http://ravingrabbits2.us.ubi.com
In this collection of parlor games, evil rabbits have taken over the world and the hero must stop them by shooting carrot juice, busting dance moves, and doing other fun feats of skill. It’s a hilarious game that makes active use of the Wii’s special remote-control stick, yet it’s still easy to pick up and play. The original Rayman Raving Rabbids is also available on the Wii, XBox 360, PC, and Nintendo DS. Why you should get it: To have silly fun with the kids.
"EA Playground," $30.00, Overall AARP rating of 3 out of 5
http://www.ea.com/eaplayground
Want some old-fashioned fun? EA Playground has 10 classic schoolyard games like dodgeball, marbles, handball, and paper airplanes. Use the special Wii remote to flick, swing, or grab things. You can play against several of your friends, in person, and the wholesome game play is perfect for kids, too. It’s also available on the Nintendo DS. Why you should get it: To enjoy a non-violent competition with the kids.
I’d be interested to know if and how RTs are using video games. Any comments?
From AARP.Com comes this story (I’ve listed the Wii games but AARP rates several types of video games):
Video Games for Grownups
Here's the inside scoop on some of this year's great (and not-so-great) games for those 50+.
By: Damon Brown | Source: AARP.org | Date Posted: 2008-07-24
It’s official: Grown-ups can have as much fun with video games as kids. AARP is diving in head first, giving you the best (and the worst) games for those 50+. You just need to pick your favorite computer or video-game system, grab a joystick, and have a ball!
"Big Brain Academy: Wii Degree," $50.00, Overall AARP rating of 4 out of 5
http://www.bigbrainacademy.com/
Do logic problems, math calculations, and other brain teasers as quickly as possible, then get ranked and aim for a higher score. As the title implies, it’s a great, fun exercise for your brain that doesn’t even feel like work. You can also compete with up to seven—that’s right, seven, of your friends in the same living room. The original Brain Age and Big Brain Academy are available on the portable Nintendo DS system. Why you should get it: To keep your mind sharp.
"Endless Ocean," $30.00, Overall AARP rating of 3 out of 5
http://www.endlessocean.com/
A tranquil, beautiful game, Endless Ocean accurately recreates deep-sea diving in the South Pacific. Go on missions to find treasures and rare sea creatures, or just wander around the deep at your own pace. The visuals are outstanding, while discovering and learning about real-life mammals like stingrays and dolphins is an educational treat. Why you should get it: To have a quiet gaming experience.
"Rayman Raving Rabbits 2," $50.00, Overall AARP rating of 4 out of 5
http://ravingrabbits2.us.ubi.com
In this collection of parlor games, evil rabbits have taken over the world and the hero must stop them by shooting carrot juice, busting dance moves, and doing other fun feats of skill. It’s a hilarious game that makes active use of the Wii’s special remote-control stick, yet it’s still easy to pick up and play. The original Rayman Raving Rabbids is also available on the Wii, XBox 360, PC, and Nintendo DS. Why you should get it: To have silly fun with the kids.
"EA Playground," $30.00, Overall AARP rating of 3 out of 5
http://www.ea.com/eaplayground
Want some old-fashioned fun? EA Playground has 10 classic schoolyard games like dodgeball, marbles, handball, and paper airplanes. Use the special Wii remote to flick, swing, or grab things. You can play against several of your friends, in person, and the wholesome game play is perfect for kids, too. It’s also available on the Nintendo DS. Why you should get it: To enjoy a non-violent competition with the kids.
I’d be interested to know if and how RTs are using video games. Any comments?
posted by Hoosier RT | 7:36 AM
1 Comments:
I use our Wii daily with my patients on our inpatient rehab unit. I really like the basic games which come with the Wii (bowling, tennis, baseball, golf, and boxing) but I also use Mariokart as a great way to integrate the upper extremities. I have the Big Brain Academy which is great for all sorts of cognitive retraining. I have the carnival games disc, Wii Play, and Hooked Fishing which are all great. I would not recommend the Big Mamma's COokoff.
I also love my Wii Fit balance board for my higher level patients to work on balance as well as new learning.
All Wii games are great for building endurance, strength, and for memory/sequencing. One other aspect I stress is that the Wii can be one way to keep active for people who are not likely to go bowling, play golf or participate in other activities they once did. It is a great intergenerational activity for grandparents and grandchildren. And people love it! So it reinforces my mantra, "If you don't like doing something, you probably won't do it for long."
Oh yeah, it's also great for bariatric patients who want to become more active!
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