Exercise Games
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US $14.95
The Top 10 Video Games To Improve Senior Health
If you think that video games are for lazy teenagers or adult couch potatoes only, think again. Once you start reaching your ‘golden’ age or if you are way past your 60s and 70s, your heart, body and mind can use the adrenaline rush brought about by the modern gaming devices which are available today.
Why Video Games Aren’t Just For Kids Anymore?
So what exactly are the benefits that grandma and grandpa can get from playing Wii, online games, PlayStation 2 or similar gaming devices? There’s actually a lot more to video gaming than you may actually think.
A good number of studies in the past have shown that playing video games has many positive benefits to senior health. For young people, one of the benefits of playing video games is to sharpen their problem-solving abilities. Video games are even known to improve the skills of a surgeon in the operating table.
Now, to give you an idea about the health benefits that older people will enjoy, take a look at the following list:
1. According to the Psychology and Aging magazine, playing complex video games after receiving training may improve the cognitive functions of seniors. This is one the functions which typically decline with age.
2. Aside from improving their cognitive functions, video games which require seniors to juggle multiple tasks may also improve their ability to perform some other everyday tasks in the ‘real world’.
3. Researches done in the past also indicated that video games such as the ones provided by Nintendo and Wii can be successfully used to doctor seniors with Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease and other illnesses of a psychological or psychosocial nature.
4. Preliminary studies have shown that strategy video games may help older adults in keeping their brains razor sharp.
Since you will be playing with the aid of a joystick, video games can help improve your eye-hand coordination.
To sum it all up, what video games do is keep an aging brain young – which is why they bring forth a multitude of benefits for a senior’s overall health. And with the introduction of Wii fitness-themed games, who says that they can’t enjoy the physical benefits of video games as well?
Top 10 Video Games to Improve Senior Health
After learning about the benefits of using video games to improve senior health, which games should you borrow from your grand kids? Here are the top 10 video games which help improve senior health:
1. Brain Age and Brain Age2
This is a video game developed by Nintendo DS, which has already spawned a sequel: Brain Age2. Both the original and the sequel video games are inspired by the work of Japanese neuroscientist Dr. Ryuta Kawashima.
Basically, what the Brain Age video game will assist you with is stimulating your brain by giving it the workout that it needs with activities like solving simple math problems, currency counting, drawing pictures or unscrambling letters.
As indicated in their website, the activities in the Brain Age2 video game will increase the blood flow to your prefrontal cortex. [Poor Blood Circulation]
2. BrainBashers.com
BrainBashers.com is actually a website which was started in 1997 by Kevin Stone, BSC. The site has a great collection of logic game, brain teasers, riddles, puzzles, games and optical illusions.
The good thing about BrainBashers is that five new puzzles are added every other week, so you will have some new brain-exerciser games to look forward to. [Brain Strengthening Exercises]
The benefit of visiting sites like these is that your mental acuity will be sharpened because of the sheer number of activities that your brain can be engaged in.
3. Wii Golf
If, for one reason or another, you have decided to quit playing golf – you can still have a go at it with the help of a video game like the Nintendo Wii Golf.
You can enjoy it as part of the Wii Sports collection which includes a series of five sports simulations: tennis, baseball, golf, bowling and boxing. So, how exactly will the Wii Golf help seniors have a pretty good workout – with the help of a video game console? [Balance Exercises For Seniors]
The Wii Remote is the key. What it does is mimic the actions performed in real life sports.
Let’s say that you have swung the Wii Remote which you will be using as a golf club, its mechanism will detect how strong or how gentle your golf swing is, and the results will be seen on the screen.
4. Dancing with the Stars
Whether or not you’re a fan of the show that the video game is based on, you will have a blast playing the “Dancing with the Stars” video game. Released in October 2007, the game has PC and online versions, and is also available in Wii, PC, mobile and PlayStation 2 platforms.
If you will get the PlayStation 2 or Wii formats of the game, that is when you will have the best time exercising because it comes with the dance pad. Basically, you will enjoy a physical workout while playing a video game at the same time.
5. Tetris
Whether it’s a game installed on your mobile phone, your computer or a gaming console, the classic blocks game of Tetris will provide a lot of benefits for you as a senior.
When you use the arrow keys on your keyboard to play the game and you’re at an advanced level, your quick thinking skills will be sharpened. Hand-eye coordination and logical thinking are the other benefits that you will get from playing this game.
6. NASCAR 09
Bring out the risk-taking race car driver in you with the NASCAR 09 video game. It comes in the following formats: PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. If you’re not into race car driving, you can try the other driving and flying video games, which will keep your wits razor sharp.
7. Guild Wars
This PC game is available in Windows format only, and is developed by ArenaNet. It’s an episodic series of role-playing games on multiplayer online mode.
Guild Wars is in fact popular with both the younger and the older crowd – so you’ll have plenty of youthfulness to keep you company while the game sharpens your wits at the same time.
8. Pogo.com
If there’s one online video gaming site that is popular with the over-40 crowd, that is none other than Pogo.com. The site is suitable for seniors who are not really into racing, war games or strategic games.
Pogo.com includes a wide array of puzzle games, word games, card games, board games, arcade and sports games that will keep you spending as much hours as your grand kid is spending on the Internet.
9. Scrabble
Another classic game that will keep your brain razor sharp is scrabble. You can even go one step further and use the fun game to connect with your friends and family – no matter which part of the world they live in.
You can have a game with two to four players, and receive notifications on your e-mail if it is your turn to play.
10. Grandparent Games
To cap off our list, there’s the aptly named Grandparent Games which allows seniors to connect with their grandchildren through interactive games. If you want to connect with your children’s kids while exercising your brain at the same time, you get free access to the service for 7 days.
There’s a minimal fee to continue, but if you like playing the games, it is definitely worth it.
There you have it – our top 10 list of the best video games that will allow seniors to exercise their brains, their bodies and improve their eye-hand coordination. Whoever said that video games are a waste of time and are only meant for lazy kids and adults, can never be more wrong.
About the Author
Neelima Reddy, author of this article writes for HealthWatchCenter.com; which is the premier publisher of health related information and news from around the world. This blog is aimed at helping you better understand the problems you are facing every day and offer suggestions. Health Watch Center
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Adventurous Book of Outdoor Games $12.99 The Adventurous Book of Outdoor Games provides clear instructions for each game along with tips on how to maximize fun and exercise while playing the games. |
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Indian Games Indian Games $34.85 When the sides are equal the players will occupy an entire afternoon without either side gaining any advantage; at other times one of the two will gain the two games that they need to win. In this game you would say to see them run that they looked like two parties who wanted to fight. This exercise contributes much to render the savages alert and prepared to avoid blows from the tomahawk of an enemy, when they find themselves in a combat. Without being told in advance that it was a game, one might truly believe that they fought in open country. Whatever accident the game may cause, they attribute it to the chance of the game and have no ill will towards each other. The suffering is for the wounded, who bear it contentedly as if nothing had happened, thus making it appear that they have a great deal of courage and are men. Author: Davis, Andrew McFarland Binding Type: Hardcover Number of Pages: 32 Publication Date: 2010/09/10 Language: English Dimensions: 8.50 x 11.02 x 0.25 inches |
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Games and Sports for Dogs (Paperback) $33.95 Offers a variety of games and sports to provide entertainment and exercise for dogs, from simple fetches, jogging, and swimming, to agility training and challenging brain teasers. |
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No Games $9.49 No Games |
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Exercise $17.99 Exercise - Art Print |
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Stepping Stones Exercise $28.18 Age 3-10 and up Challenge students with fun exercise routines. Start by arranging the plastic stone sheets on the floor. Each student steps on one stone. Hold up the photos and ask students to assume the depicted pose. Children love it. Three challenge levels and instructions for using the stones to play games. Includes warm up activities and sample exercise routines. Printed stones are approximately 4 x 5'' (10 x 13 cm); double-sided photo cards are 8.5 x 11'' (22 x 28 cm). Includes teacher guide. 32 plastic stone sheets 16 balance photos. |
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Brain Exercise with Dr. Kawashima $92.4 High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles Brain Exercise with Dr. Kawashima is a brain training game developed by Namco Bandai and tested by Dr. Kawashima, famous for his Nintendo DS games Brain Age and Brain Age 2.In 2007 the European branch of the Namco Bandai mobile division released the Java ME version, Brain Coach with Dr. Kawashima, with a selection of 10 minigames from the Japanese games and localized names per country. The game enjoyed great success, topping the charts for several months in countries like France, Germany and Austria. In 2008 the sequel More Brain Exercise with Dr. Kawashima was released, with 15 new minigames, hiscore upload to Facebook and Sudoku. Author: Surhone, Lambert M./ Tennoe, Mariam T./ Henssonow, Susan F. Binding Type: Paperback Number of Pages: 148 Publication Date: 2011/01/12 Language: English Dimensions: 6.00 x 9.02 x 0.34 inches |
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Healthy Eating And Exercise $17.33 Address the need for better overall fitness using these activities games experiments tips and recipes based on the new USDA food pyramid. Explore the ideal diet in the new My Pyramid Plan understand food labels chart eating and exercise habits plus learn how to plan a healthier lifestyle. Written by a medical doctor. Supports NSE standards. |
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Gryphon House 18657 300 Three Minute Games $26.7 Use these short creative activities to delight and teach children whenever you need to fill an extra few minutes or anytime just for fun. There are story games to build language skills exercise games quiet games waiting games stuck inside games and more. Quick simple games guaranteed to prevent bored children. |
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Can Wii Exercise at Home? $108.33 Obesity levels continue to rise across the world, whilst physical activity levels remain lower than ever before, resulting in many health problems. With difficulty removing the individual from the popular gaming environment, research has found the exergame to offer a viable solution, but has failed to identify which age it could benefit most. This research explores the benefits of one exergame for different aged populations. Eighteen participants volunteered for the study, which involved the measurement of various physiological and social parameters. The text provides a full analysis of the results and a discussion that aims to answer some of the contemporary questions, such as Can I exercise indoors?, Can I really lose weight whilst playing computer games? and Could I even increase my life expectancy?. Author: Reynolds, Jonathan Binding Type: Paperback Number of Pages: 64 Publication Date: 2011/03/07 Language: English Dimensions: 5.98 x 9.02 x 0.15 inches |
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101 More Games for Trainers $24.95 Now Bob Pike brings you 101 More Games for Trainers. 101 More and better games from Bob Pike. This volume includes 26 openers, 32 energizers, 15 games that improve communication, 25 team building games, and games that address resistance to change, trainer training, diversity, conflict customer service and much more.This is your sourcebook for engaging participants while they are in your classroom. You’ll find dozens of games, exercises, and activities specifically designed to bring a weary group back to life; lead an audience through a spirited, comprehensive review session; break the ice and grab participants’ attention; and more. Each game includes training purpose, time required, group size, materials needed, topic and a description of the "exercise in action". |
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Brain Games : Brain Teasers, Logic Tests, and Puzzles to Exercise Your Mind $9.7 No Synopsis Available |
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Get Fit for the Games (Paperback) $23.99 With the London 2012 Olympics around the corner, even spectators are feeling the urge to get in shape. Geared especially for women, this official London 2012 book, written by a leading fitness journalist and featuring 70 exercises divided into three levels--Bronze, Silver, and Gold--offers everything from diet advice to exercise programs illustrated with step-by-step photographs. Whatever shape you`re in now, Get Fit for the Games will help you become stronger, healthier, and more physically confident. |
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Games and Sports for Dogs By Wolf, Kirsten $22.13 Offers a variety of games and sports to provide entertainment and exercise for dogs, from simple fetches, jogging, and swimming, to agility training and challenging brain teasers. Author: Wolf, Kirsten Publication Date: 2010/09/01 Number of Pages: 192 Binding Type: Paperback Language: English Depth: 0.50 Width: 6.75 Height: 8.50 |
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Wai Lana's Little Yogis™ Fun Exercise Kit $39.3 A bundle of playful exercise to set kids on the path to health and happiness!Kit includes:Little Yogis Volume 1 DVDLittle Yogis Volume 2 DVDFun Exercise Book Little Yogis DVD, Vols. 1 & 2 Kids and parents love the award-winning Little Yogis DVDs. Wai Lana makes yoga a treat with two fun-filled workouts, which include:All kinds of fun exercises for strong bodies and sound mindsColorful cartoons, catchy songs, and cute animalsFun learning gamesCustomized workoutsBanda Sonora en Español Run time: Approx. 30 minutes each Recommended for ages 3 to 8 Fun Exercise BookFUN EXERCISE does far more than simply help kids remember their yoga poses. Colorful, imaginative, and richly detailed, this enchanting book entertains your kids with hilarious animals, fun games, silly jokes, and beautiful illustrations. |
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Small Ball Group Exercise Workout (DVD) $44.73 Small Ball Group Exercise Workout details the fundamental keys to successful adult activity programming and leadership and offers a demonstration of several enjoyable small ball activities and games that can be employed in an exercise program. The DVD covers a variety of different types of small ball activities, including partner exercises, individual exercises, partner-group exercises, and team exercises. Among the topics covered: group activity programming ideals that can be utilized, keys to successful adult activity programming, warm-ups, partner exercises, individual exercises, partner-group exercises, and team/group exercises. Produced in cooperation with the American College of Sports Medicine. |
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Roylco Inc. R62013 Stepping Stones Exercise $34.89 Age 310 and up Challenge students with fun exercise routines. Start by arranging the plastic stone sheets on the floor. Each student steps on one stone. Hold up the photos and ask students to assume the depicted pose. Children love it. Three challenge levels and instructions for using the stones to play games. Includes warm up activities and sample exercise routines. Printed stones are approximately 4 x 5 (10 x 13 cm); doublesided photo cards are 8.5 x 11 (22 x 28 cm). Includes teacher guide. 32 plastic stone sheets 16 balance photos. |
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Games $19.99 Pascal Normand Games - Art Print |
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Exercise - Girls Guns Sports Zip Hoodie by CafePress $48 Simple Cute This design of a girl her weights is perfect for any exercise fan. Support your love of working out Enjoy Sports Zip Hoodie Zip around town in style with this zip-up hooded sweatshirt. Made of soft fleece, it keeps you and anyone next to you toasty. Yet it's rugged enough for impromptu games of touch football.10 oz. fleece blend 90% cotton/10% polyester. |
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TOP Exercise Sports Zip Hoodie dark by CafePress $45 Shirts amp; sweats for the female interested in toning their bodies, whether through pilates, aerobics, or lifting. Exercise, 'Til Your Body Behaves slogan. Sports Zip Hoodie dark Zip around town in style with this zip-up hooded sweatshirt. Made of soft fleece, it keeps you and anyone next to you toasty. Yet it's rugged enough for impromptu games of touch football.10 oz. fleece blend 90% cotton/10% polyester. |
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Girl Exercise Sports Zip Hoodie by CafePress $48 Simple Cute This design of a girl her weights is perfect for any exercise fan. Support your love of working out Personalize at customlittlelizzylou.com Enjoy Sports Zip Hoodie Zip around town in style with this zip-up hooded sweatshirt. Made of soft fleece, it keeps you and anyone next to you toasty. Yet it's rugged enough for impromptu games of touch football.10 oz. fleece blend 90% cotton/10% polyester. |
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Carson Dellosa CD404090 Healthy Eating and Exercise $21.45 Address the need for better overall fitness using these activities games experiments tips and recipes based on the new USDA food pyramid. Explore the ideal diet in the new My Pyramid Plan understand food labels chart eating and exercise habits plus learn how to plan a healthier lifestyle. Written by a medical doctor. Supports NSE standards. |
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Brain Games By Bragdon, Allen $14.13 Author: Bragdon, Allen D. Series Title: Brain Teasers Subtitle: Brain Teasers, Logic Tests, and Puzzles to Exercise Your Mind Publication Date: 2011/02/23 Number of Pages: 223 Binding Type: Paperback Language: English Depth: 0.75 Width: 5.50 Height: 8.25 |
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String Games for Beginners $34.39 Originally published in the early 1900s, this short but informative book provides detailed instructions on how to form string figures, accompanied by clear illustrations. Not only does it instruct how to form these, but also gives an idea of the origins of each figure. Apart from this being a simple and entertaining pastime for young and old, providing exercise for the fingers and the mind, these games also reflect a little of the history and social habits of the people where they originated. Contents Include: Instructions The Fish Spear An Outrigger Canoe The Bed Carrying Wood An Eel The Caribou A Grass Hut A Siberian House The Tern A Man Climbing A Tree The Well An Apache Door The Baboons Mouth A ScrubHen The Fighting Men The Island of Moa Lightning Shooting the Fish Spear A Bird A Melon Shell A Canoe A Waterspout Barbed Spears The Breastbone and Ribs The Laia Flower The Flying Fox The Looper Caterpillar Porker Author: Haddon, Kathleen Binding Type: Paperback Number of Pages: 48 Publication Date: 2006/07/01 Language: English Dimensions: 8.50 x 5.50 x 0.11 inches |
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Pocket Posh Brain Games 3 (Paperback) $16.44 Pocket Posh Brain Games 3 features a chicly styled cover making it a smart, sophisticated accessory that goes with anything. Packaged in a handy 4 x 6 size, Pocket Posh Brain Games 3 fits nicely into a purse or tote. Pocket Posh Brain Games 3 contains 100 popular brain-teasing word and number puzzles. With more than 1.5 million copies in print, the Pocket Posh puzzle series is a great way to exercise your mind—and look great while doing it! |
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The Games-as-Aerobics Approach to Physical Activity (DVD) $44.73 The “Games-as-Aerobics� Approach to Physical Activity features an approach to exercise that stresses fun, pleasure, and repeated success. Calisthenic and endurance activities are camouflaged as games, relays, or stunts that incorporate ball passing and other movement skills for variety. Game rules are often modified to minimize skill and competition and maximize participant enjoyment. As a result, smiles and laughter often replace the grunting and groaning that are associated with some traditional calisthenic-exercise programs. Among the topics covered: individual stationary activities, partner stationary activities, individual continuous-movement activities, partner continuous-movement activities, group activities, recreational games, and relays. Produced in cooperation with the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM). |