Video Gaming spans across all age groups

By Justin Marr

Video gaming has never had an age barrier.
However, according to the Entertainment Software Association (ESA), the average of 18 year-old gamers has given the impression that gaming isn’t for everyone.
The top-selling Nintendo Wii has changed that though, especially for senior citizens.
“I bowl on my Nintendo Wii all the time,” said 58 year-old Ann Addleman. “By the time I’m done I’ve worked up a sweat, and had fun while doing it.”
The Wii is an interactive system requiring arm and hand movement rather than the traditional finger requirement.
Addleman is a retired mother of three with a haunting shoulder injury that she suffered last winter in Michigan.
Her husband Keith gets equal use out of the game.
He had knee surgery in 2003 on his right knee.
“I used to go to the hospital for physical therapy which was painful at times,” he said. “I gave up on that as soon as I got the Wii.”
Keith and Ann are only a few senior citizens playing video games at their age.
Hospitals and physical therapy clinics all over the country use the system for all patients from stroke victims, to amputees who must learn to rely on other limbs.
“Putting fun into therapy makes it way more enjoyable,” Ann said. “When you don’t realize that your rehabilitating, it just makes it that much easier.”
Senior citizens aren’t the only demographic enjoying video games.
Since the revolution of music-oriented games like Guitar Hero and Rock Band, the younger generation (8-12 years old) of gamers has increased by 38 percent, according to ESA.
The games use mimicked instruments, such as guitar, and drums, to play hit rock songs.
Bradley Bourney, 11, began playing Guitar Hero at the age of nine.
He now enjoys the game with friends around the world and in his hometown of Mount Pleasant.
“I don’t play anything but Guitar Hero,” he said. “I’m (on) an expert level now. I love this game so much, I don’t know what I’d do without it.”