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Our society is aging and is the fastest growing sector of the population. The increased longevity of the population over 65 is also associated with declining health, impaired mobility, feelings of isolation, and loneliness (Drewnowski & Evans, ). Since the elderly population is steadily increasing, occupational therapy needs to focus attention on resources that promote independence and improve quality of life. Additional qualitative and quantitative research investigating the utilization of the Nintendo Wii on the geriatric population will benefit evidence-based practice. Purpose of study: This pilot study investigated the effects of the Nintendo Wii on quality of life, social relationships, and the confidence in the ability to prevent falls. Setting: This study was conducted at three assisted living facilities in the piedmont/triad area of North Carolina. Participants: Total sample size was 21 participants 60 years and older. Design: This study was a repeated measures design collecting both quantitative and qualitative data. Instruments utilized were the Control, Autonomy, Self-realization, Pleasure-19 (CASP-19), the Social Provisions Scale (SPA), and the Modified Falls Efficacy Scale (M-FES). The interventions for the study included warm-up exercises, Nintendo Wii bowling, and fall prevention education. Results: Minimal significant items were noted across the three groups in the quantitative data for this pilot study, and results were scattered and no valid conclusions could be drawn. However, the qualitative data captured variations of participant views of overall satisfaction, fall awareness, and increased participation that support findings reported in the literature, and results were scattered and no conclusions could be drawn. Discussion: Owing to increase interest and use of the Nintendo Wii in assisted living facilities, further studies investigating the social benefits, fall prevention benefits, and quality of life would be valuable and could contribute to more regular and structured usage within facilities for this population.
Bell et al. (Fri,) studied this question.