Need a great gift idea for Grandma this Christmas? Try Nintendo Wii Bowling that offers some positive health and social benefits.

You’d better be keeping an eye on Grandma to see if she’s been naughty or nice.  Santa just may be bringing her a Wii for Christmas this year.

Active adults are finding Nintendo’s Wii to be right up their alley with many senior centers recognizing the trend and finding a number of physical and social benefits.

Nintendo reports that 9.3 million Wii consoles have been sold since introducing the game in 2005, which retails for $250.

Interestingly enough, adults are more frequently the purchasers and players of Wii and its games, according to Chicago video game merchants.

One of the most popular games in the Wii Sports package is bowling. The reaction to the system by seniors has been a pleasant surprise with league and tournament play becoming a regular component of community calendars in active adult and retirement settings.

By using the small Wii remote, players can imitate the action of real bowling. It features an easy-to-use wireless controller, similar to a television remote control, that translates a player’s motions onto the screen.

Here Wii Go! Bowling Basics

1. Hold the Wii remote in your bowling hand.
2. Set up a bowling game and stand up in front of your TV. Hold the remote straight up with the buttons facing you.
3. Press and hold the back “B” button. Swing your arm back and then forward.
4. As your arm is about to pass your waist, let go of the “B” button to throw the ball. Use the directional buttons to change your position on the lane.
5. An average game of Wii bowling will take around 5 to 10 minutes. This time will increase when playing with multiple people.

Wii Bowling Benefits

Research from the American Academy of Exercise (ACE) reports that playing Wii:

• Uses much more energy than normal video games
• Burns 77 calories in 15 minutes of Bowling: 125 calories in 15 minutes of Boxing; and 92 calories in 15 minutes of Tennis
• Increases balance, eye-hand coordination, response time, and stretching
• Maintains active and social lifestyle
• Attracts grandchildren in new ways.

Nintendo’s newest Wii gadget, Wii Fit, is specifically targeted to adults as a workout device. Even though kids are the stereotypical video game users, it appears that Wii games which promote physical activity are ultimately more popular with adults. Wii Sports, may get you sweating, but it’s still no substitute for the gym.