Highland Cove Press & News
April 29, 2008 - Highland Cove Retirement Hosts Lifestyles Day
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - Hundreds of Highland Cove Retirement Community residents will enjoy a "Wii" kick-off party on Thursday, May 1st at 10:30 a.m. in the Hotel Club Room and at 3 p.m. in the Terrace Club Room. The event will feature Wii sports tournaments, prizes and refreshments.
"We are so excited to have the Wii as part of our recreation and fitness programs," Bonnie Knudson, recreation director, said. "Like many retirement facilities nationwide, Highland Cove is utilizing 21st Century technology to keep its residents mentally and physically active. "The 'brain training' Wii touts benefits such as enhanced motor skills, improved concentration and better joint movement while simulating real-life motion," Knudson continued.
Emmett Schmarsow, director of council on aging programs for the elder affairs office, said, "We've seen that Wii supports and promotes improved coordination and balance for elders. We are delighted that more COAs are deciding to utilize this very exciting piece of technology."
From golf to baseball, bowling and tennis, the latest videogames cross cultural and age demographics and bridge generation gaps, allowing seniors to build more common denominators with grandchildren and provide peer socializing while simultaneously recreating.
Denise Kaigler, vice president of corporate affairs for Nintendo of America, said the company designed the system, which was released in 2006, so it "could be played by everyone in the family, from 5 to 95." She said Nintendo welcomes the interest from elders.
"It is exciting to see that it's been such a big hit in senior centers," Kaigler said. "Anyone can pick it up and start playing instantly, regardless of their age or prior experience with gaming. Games like Wii Sports are more active and get people up off the couch and moving. That's important for seniors."
Highland Cove, owned by Century Park Associates, offers living accommodations to more than 230 residents. Highland Cove provides a care continuum with independent and Type I assisted living. Highland Cove also offers on-site physical and massage therapy, podiatry, beauty salons, physical fitness classes, scheduled transportation, . shopping and a wide variety of activities.
The event is open to the public.
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I love living at Highland Cove because I chose to "Be There" in lieu of keeping up a big house and two-acre yard. Being pampered and having gorgeous Utah mountain views is also a perfect joy! You too will agree after the first visit.
-- Sammy Macgruder
