'Wii-habilitation' keeps you active

Max Fleet

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An Adelaide nursing home is encouraging its residents to learn to play the latest video games as part of an active lifestyle campaign.

On Thursday the gamers were joined by the federal Minister for Ageing Justine Elliot for a round of virtual bowls on the new Nintendo Wii machine.

The Grandview Court residence believes the games, which require simulation of sports movements, help residents remain active.

Known as 'Wii-habilitation' the initiative also aims to encourage visits by grandchildren, family and friends.

The games have great health and social benefits: "including increased movement and mobility and re-training of the brain." Ms Elliot said.

The government was supportive of any initiative to help older Australians maintain healthy and active lifestyles, she said.