Youngsters have fitness plan for pensioners
2010-02-11
TWO local boys will be getting the heart rates of pensioners going, by bringing technology into a retirement home in Paarl. And this may soon see octogenarians swapping their Zimmer frames for computer games. At Bridge House School near Franschhoek, learners are encouraged to become involved in community projects. Thus Grade 9 learners Ruan Combrinck and Daniel de Villiers chose Rusoord retirement home in Paarl as their project. They surfed the net and read up about how technology can assist the elderly. Being keen computer buffs, they stumbled across the concept of the popular games console Nintendo Wii (pronounced we), which has been gaining huge popularity amongst elderly people throughout the world. Nintendo Wii allow gamers to use a motion-sensitive controller to mimic sports like tennis, bowling and golf in the comfort of their own space. Up to four participants can take part in a game. And apart from fun for all ages, it has been proven that the Wii offers therapeutic advantages for the aged which can improve their physical health. Now Ruan and Daniel are hard at work raising funds to buy a Nintendo Wii console for Rusoord. Local farmer and businessman Gerard Frater heard of their unique project and donated old wine barrels to them. The boys are now selling them to raise funds for their project. Once they have raised enough money, they themselves will be training residents of Rusoord to get back on track with the help of the Nintendo Wii. The half barrels are R100 each, and whole barrels R200. Ruan and Daniel will be selling the barrels at Frater Square in Paarl Main Street on Saturday mornings, or interested parties can call 082-578-8888.
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