Wii want to play too, say active older folk

THE older generation is ensuring youngsters don’t have all the fun — by using computer games to get a “Wii” bit fitter.

Members of Oldham Council’s Forum4Age will have the chance to experience how fun and games can help keep the mind and body active at a special event at Oldham Sports Centre on Tuesday.

They will be able to experience a taster session on the Wii Sport Games, a computer game that allows players to take control by using physical movements, as well as more traditional games.

The event is being held in partnership with Oldham Community Leisure, Age Concern, Oldham Athletic Community Trust and Oldham Youth Council.

Council Cabinet member for adult social care and health, Councillor Brian Lord, said: “Forum4Age offer a vital service for older people, giving them the opportunity to be involved in developing services and keeping them active.

Oldham Athletic chief executive Alan Hardy said: “This is a great initiative for people of all ages to get involved and to realise that the Nintendo Wii Sport Games is another way to take up a form of exercise and keeping the fun element as well.

“Oldham Athletic Community Trust are looking forward to delivering this initiative and then to deliver the same across the borough to people of all ages.”

Forum4Age meets every two months and works with the council, health and voluntary services to feed back people’s views to help improve and develop better services for older people.

By working in partnership with Age Concern and Oldham Community Leisure, the forum is able to provide various information and taster sessions regarding health and well-being. As a result, it is seeing more people take up volunteering opportunities, activities and exercise classes.