|
|
Video Game Aimed Toward Senior Citizens
By Sarah Harlan, www.Wfie.com
July 6, 2009
Video games are usually made for kids, but a new system is designed just for senior citizens.
It's supposed to keep their minds sharp and prevent the onset of dementia.
The first computer game 90-year-old Pauline Snyder ever played, had questions geared for her age group.
"Started out with Jimmy Stewart, and I know everything there is to know about Jimmy Stewart," Snyder said.
She's one of several ladies at Wichita Presbyterian Manor using the new Dakim Brain Fitness game, questions of memory, math and trivia, a mental workout that's not only fun, but supposed to help prevent dementia, characterized by memory loss and confusion, exactly what the elderly often worry about most.
"I have a brother that died with it," 87-year-old Louise Casey said. "I have a brother that's had five strokes and has got it now."
"They say after the age of 80, there's a very high percentage of people who end up with some form of memory loss," director of therapy Denelle Dinkel said.
But keeping the mind active, therapists say, makes all the difference.
Several studies have shown that people who play games, read, or work puzzles on a regular basis reduce their risk of dementia by up to 63-percent.
Mary Good plays almost daily and believes it is helping.
"I don't have as much trouble recalling the words I want to use," 89-year-old Good said.
Even though the video game is easy to use, the retirement home has had trouble getting more of its residents to try it, many intimidated by anything new or electronic, but it's that kind of challenge, doctors say, the brain needs to stay healthy and alert.
More Information on US Health Issues
|
|
