Never too old to learn
Lyndhurst-based Ron Smith Care Centre welcomed four BSc Occupational Therapy students from Wits University to conduct a pilot study at the premises.
The purpose of the study was to determine whether Nintendo Wii can improve standing balance and quality of life among senior citizens within South Africa.
Wii is a home video game console which detects movement in three dimensions and supports a range of sports games.
According to the students, Jacinta Antrobus, Kate Delmont, Lauren Hollinson and Michelle Brown, the study hopes to prove that over 60s could benefit from reaching for a console.
Jancita said, “… We wanted to identify a means of providing therapy to the geriatric population in a fun and meaningful way, as well as to improve essential components such as balance and quality of life.”
The group spent two weeks collecting data at the centre with the help of residents.
Participants had to meet certain criteria, such as being able to walk without walking aids, and be physically able to cope with the light exercise demanded by the study.
Kate said they chose the game of bowling as it met the criteria for improving participants’ balance, and also allowed them to engage in other games they enjoyed to improve their overall quality of life.
“Generally, the games did indeed facilitate an improvement in balance due to the amount of displacement required, which will help minimise future falls,” she said.
One of the participants, a 79-year-old resident said after being part of the study, he noticed an improvement in his co-ordination. “Despite never having bowled before, I enjoyed the game,” he added.
The students said from their observations, the Wii experience had increased participants’ social interaction and served as an added incentive to spend quality time with their peers. “… We enjoyed interacting with the residents and teaching them how to use technology and to engage independently and effectively,” added Kate.
Michelle said the results of their project would be available in August. “We are hoping the study will provide insight and motivation into whether or not including Wii activities in occupational therapy will improve balance and the quality of life of care-centre residents, as well as those still able to live independently,” said Michelle.
