Video Games: An Exploration of Their Potential as Recreational Activity Programs in Nursing Homes

In the past few years, the video game explosion has permeated our everyday culture, involving in particular the younger generation. Video games once found only in arcades are now being manufactured for home use. This study seeks to analyze the value of video games as an activity program for geriatric populations in skilled nursing home facilities. Areas examined include resident acceptance and reaction to the program, how many residents utilized the equipment as well as how often, and those residents most interested and capable of participating in this activity. Suggestions for equipment adaptations are made to correct problems of poor visual clarity and awkward manipulation of controls. Video games may be successful small group recreational activities for those residents with adequate eye-hand coordination, vision and mental functioning.