Stay in the Game

to play Painting by Stephen Hill a new way

From Pilates classes, to car racing, and traditional games including chess and solitaire, the options are endless when it comes to online gaming.

Think about the last time you played a game. Was it a board game with the family? A hit of tennis at the local courts? Or maybe a game of cards with some friends?

In 2021 many people’s answer is just as likely to be that they played a game on their mobile phone, their iPad, or played a video console game with their family. Gaming is booming amongst Boomers and older generations. According to recent research, over 40 percent of Australians aged 65 and over regularly play some form of video game. It’s not just fun and games either! One of the reasons for the surge in popularity among older demographics is the potential positive e ects of video games which include hand-eye coordination, problem-solving skills, information processing and even fi tness. It’s these skills that ACH Group’s new Stay in the Game challenge is set to target. Launching in April 2021, the 6-week challenge is funded by Wellbeing SA and aims to get older South Australians playing video games to increase exercise, and fun and friendship with friends and family. Project coordinator Kosta Canatselis has been working with people aged 65+ to identify which video games on the market have both an exercise component and are easy to use.

"Video games can be an extra tool for when you can’t get to the gym or do your usual outdoor exercise.”

Daniel Peacock ACH Group Exercise Physiologist

Games to try for fun and fitness:

• Ring Fit on Nintendo Switch • Words with Friends and

Pictoword on smartphones and tablets • Mario Kart on iPad • Just Dance on PS4 or Switch

“Ringfi t Adventure from Nintendo Switch is a great choice for staying physically fi t at home. It comes with a Pilates ring that gives a great arm workout and has many di erent mobility and accessibility features,” Kosta said. For those who want to get started with gaming but want to begin with something familiar there is often an online version of most traditional games too. Scrabble, chess, solitaire, darts and bowling can be found online and are available in easy to learn formats. Plus, you can keep it local and play your mates or challenge someone on the other side of the world to a game, all from the comfort of your lounge room.

Join the ‘Stay in the Game’ challenge!

The six-week challenge from 19 April – 28 May encourages South Australians aged 65 and over, together with their friends and family, to play games online.

- Increase your physical activity and social connections. - PLUS, you’ll learn new skills, set and track your goals, and there’s 10 prizes to WIN!

Sign up!

stayinthegame.achgroup.org.au