They are called "Silver Surfers." or "Gray Gamers." Whatever the term, "they are seniors who are taking to virtual reality games as easily as their grandkids before them did, but these gamers are utilizing the latest virtual reality technology to increase socializing, trim their weight or improve their mental and physical health.
In the science-fiction thriller "The Matrix," players were plugged into a virtual world while sitting in reclining chairs. Their minds, however, fought battles, dodged bullets, drove motorcycles through the "magic" of specially constructed software programs. They were transported to a reality not their own Ð a .virtual reality.
Virtual reality games have been on the scene since 1991. Young Americans eagerly adopted them as a sign of their generation. Like the Matrix player, these players became almost completely oblivious to the real world around them while playing. It appeared that virtual technology games were becoming a part of teen genes and not merely a passing fancy.
Then the newest generation of virtual technology burst on the scene. Here was a virtual reality technology which allowed the user to get out of the chair and to physically interact with a computer-stimulated environment through devices such as a wired glove, boom arm or treadmill. Some simulations include additional sensory information, such as sound or even tactile information. The result -- what was originally felt to be an invention destined to dwell strictly within the realm of the young has turned into a huge benefit for America's senior .population.
Nintendo's Wii was the "hot" Christmas gift last year for the younger set. To the surprise of its maker, (and disappointment of many American teens) it was quickly snapped up by grandparents as gifts to themselves. Seniors and senior caretakers were quick to see the new technology with its various game packages as a technology they could adapt to their own needs. The "plus" that Wii offered, that previous virtual reality games had not, was the interactive nature of Wii through its virtual sports packages. Older Americans saw the games as a means of improving their physical well being, an exercise .program that even the physically limited could participate in, and have .fun doing.
One of the most popular virtual reality games is .virtual reality bowling. Wii players stand or sit in .front of a big-screen TV .and manipulate a wireless .controller that translates their arm motions, which mimic the movements of .a "real" bowler, onto the screen.
Men and women who haven't held a baseball or softball bat in 30 years can now, with the use of Wii technology, hit a homerun from their living room or game room. Going for that "hole in one" honor in virtual golf is something the most frail or novice golfer can try for. Virtual tennis and even virtual boxing games are available.
The benefits to seniors include more vigorous exercise on a more regular basis, even weight reduction for the most faithful players.
Virtual reality software's ability to take the mind outside the body is proving to be of value in medical settings. The University of Washington School of Medicine has used virtual reality programs during wound treatment for severely burned patients, who otherwise would face unbearable pain. Other hospitals are exploring the use of virtual reality as a tool for pain control and even to treat post-traumatic stress disorder.
Playing virtual reality games has been shown to significantly improve motor function in some stroke survivors. Stroke frequently impairs one side of the body and walking ability. Survivors often compensate for the impaired leg causing further loss or weakening of functions in the .weakened limb. The virtual reality technology apparently helps reorganize brain functions, allowing survivors to regain some of their original walking ability.
The potential benefits of this new technology to seniors are only now just beginning to be imagined. The near future is certain to see further development.
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