Silver Gamer in Cologne
Seniors play computer games
Anyone who claims that seniors and computer games fit together as well as jogging and high-heeled shoes, could have given a lesson to the Silver-Gamer in October 2009. On an ordinary Monday afternoon, the ballroom of Senior Citizens Center Riehl turned into a “smaller edition of gamescom,” according to managing director Otto Ludorff at his opening speech.
By Nicola Furch
To the games, get set, go …
At 10 game stations and a PC island, about 100 visitors tried out common computer and console games, played games with each other or against each other, and learned about general aspects of computers and game consoles. Most of the visitors were residents of this facility, but also senior citizens from the area were interested in the event. The free offer was advertised in advance and was not only open to SBK residents, but also for all interested Cologne over 55 years.
At each station, the participants of media educators got an introduction to the respective game and assistance with the control.
In this protected environment, older people were given the opportunity to experiment with new techniques. For many visitors, it was particularly pleasing that some young people from the game test groups and the youth editorial office of the “Spieleratgeber-NRW” had gathered to meet the seniors, for example. to support and guide on the PC table. With much joy, patience and dedication, they brought the games already played in the tester groups closer to the older generation.
Through the participation of young people in the action, whether by young people from the tester groups or students, the understanding between the generations should be encouraged. Young and old played together and started talking.
Which games are suitable?
The selected games should stimulate communication with each other, which mentally activate seniors, but above all, give them pleasure. In addition, the curiosity on the many ways to play games on the PC or using a game console should be awakened. In this way, movement and activity were reawakened even among seniors who had not been physically active for a long time.
So not only were marbles balanced through a maze or figures moved by tapping on a box, but also heated at the X-Box 360 in the race car through the streets, played football on the Playstation3 and practiced with the Wii Balance Board Yoga exercises. The PCs were primarily trained in memory and logical thinking.
Special attention was paid to the handling of the games. The participating seniors should have as few problems as possible, especially when operating the games. The control should not be too complicated and best explained step by step. Here, the principle of “less is more” comes into effect, because too many functions overwhelm too quickly. In addition, it should be noted that graphics and presentation of the game are big enough, but not too packed, so that the player can concentrate on the essential tasks and the game remains accessible at any time. Because too hectic, exciting or confusing gameplay can quickly discourage especially seniors.
It is very favorable when topics are picked up in the games, which the player knows from real experiences. So, some games are self-explanatory and you know what, e.g. when Wii Golf is to do. As was the case with the younger generation, it was more likely that games were developed that took on the interests and hobbies of the individual. So a football-loving person rather grab the controller for FIFA09 and someone who likes to puzzle and puzzles prefers brain training.
Generally applies to seniors: No fear of computer games – just try and join in! Fun and movement are in the foreground. Nobody gets embarrassed if the game does not work right away!
The following games were used.
On the PC:
• Peggle – Dexterity
• Brain training with Dr. med. Kawashima – thinking and skill
• Eye training on the PC – thinking and skill
• Crayon Physics Deluxe – thinking and skill through painting
• Crazy Machines 2 – Thinking and Skill
• More brain jogging – thinking and skill
On the Nintendo Wii:
• Mario and Sonic at the Olympics – Sports
• Wii Sport Resort – Sports
• Wiifit – Sports
• Boom Blox – Dexterity
• Kororimpa – Dexterity
• Wii Sport – Bowling and More
• Let’s tap – skill and tact
At the x-box 360:
• Need for Speed Shift – Car Racing
On the Playstation 2 and 3:
• SingStar Schlager – Karaoke on the console
• FIFA 09 – Football
The computer game industry discovers seniors as potential customers
In recent years, it has been observed that the computer game industry is increasingly expanding its target audience. So, for example, from the blockbuster “The Sims” (simulation game) attracted mainly girls. With “Dr. Kawashima’s brain jogging “for the Nintendo DS are also addressed to adults. In addition, the Nintendo Wii game console is not only popular with children, adolescents, and their parents, but is increasingly being discovered by the older generation. This is particularly due to the easy-to-use gameplay: With a kind of remote control in the hand movements are transmitted to the screen. So you can sports such. For example, play bowling, tennis and golf in your own home without having to go to the appropriate place or visit a hall. These games are now very popular with seniors, because here reaction and hand-eye coordination are trained and small movements can be performed while sitting.
Some seniors have already expressed an interest in the medium. Thus, since the beginning of 2009, two teams meet twice a week for virtual bowling in the SBK. Eight participants even became national winners at the Wii Sports Bowling Senior Championship Germany in July 2009.
Not only the Wii was well received by the visitors. With Sing Star for the Playstation 2 were sung cheerfully Schlager. In this area, Sony has fished with a wide range of different genres of music more and more groups of users.
When karaoke singing with songs like “On the North Sea Coast” or “Fiesta Mexikana” the 1st Silver Gamer reminded of a great atmospheric party for young and old. With the comment: “I have nothing to lose”, especially the participants were very carefree, always popular hits for the best.
Such a successful action calls for a repetition, so there will certainly be a 2nd Silver Gamer in Cologne next year.
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