Nintendo Wii brings older people together in L&Q’s sheltered schemes

L&Q has teamed up with Age Concern to deliver Nintendo Wii ten-pin bowling to 158 older residents living in 6 sheltered schemes across South Bucks, including residents of Warren Court, Bodley House, Three Gables, Verdon Court, Bolds Court and Duncan Lock House.

Each scheme benefits from a 2 hour session every fortnight for a year which will lead to a South Bucks League between the schemes to encourage a sense of friendly competition and community spirit.

The project has bought fun, movement and exercise to residents, encouraging a positive and lively atmosphere. A Nintendo Wii games organiser who is also a qualified fitness instructor sets up the games and works with the residents to ensure they get the most out of the games.

To date the feedback has been fantastic with more and more residents taking part in each session, commenting it gives them energy, fun, gentle exercise and an excellent community spirit within the scheme. Jeremy Hutchings, L&Q's Assistant Director of Neighbourhood Operations recently visited a scheme to meet with residents and join in with the fun.

Jeremy commented "It has been very encouraging to see the project develop over the last 6 months. The sessions have made a real difference to the schemes and lives of the people who live there, bringing them together socially whilst at the same time providing them with gentle movement and exercise."