Feeling Silly, but Feeling Good: The Psychosocial Effects of Nintendo Wii Sports Games in Residential Aged Care Elders

Originally part of a mixed method, quasi experimental study, this paper focuses on the qualitative data obtained from the focus groups held with the residential aged-care (RAC) participants. The study examined whether the Nintendo Wii Sports (NWS) active video game (exergame) system could significantly improve the functional ability, physical activity levels and quality of life of 34 older adults (4 men and 30 women, 83 ± 8 yr) living in 2 residential aged care centres. Further qualitative data, supported the original themes of ‘feeling silly, feeling good’; ‘having fun’; and ‘something to look forward to’. This additional data provides more support for the utilisation of NWS exergames in the RAC context to enhancing sense of empowerment and personal achievement