Kids Teach Wii to Local Seniors
By: Megan Dobbs
Updated: January 19, 2009
Seniors at the Rose Park Senior Center received an unexpected Christmas gift--the Nintendo Wii. The problem was, none of them knew how to play. All it took was a little help from some local middle school students. They started out with Wii tennis, and before long, the adults were getting the hang of it.

C.M.S. student Zackary King said, "At the beginning they weren't very good at it, but I'm sure they'll get better at it with practice. They did pretty good for their first time."
The seniors were clear about one thing--video games have come a long way from what they used to be.
"Back in earlier times...there was not as much action. You'd sit there with [the remote] in your hand and that was about as far as you ever got," said Jimmy Graves.
Playing the Wii looked like a fun experience for the new gamers, but they learned quickly that the new device could serve as much more than entertainment.
"You can get a lot of action at home. Instead of sitting there with the remote control, you are actually getting some exercise...mentally and physically."
The kids say they had fun being teachers for a day, showing great respect for their students.
C.M.S. student Grace Brunkow said, "They're way more experienced than I am with life, and I was just happy that I could help them along."
Some senior centers use the Nintendo Wii as a way to help senior citizens stay active.







