Senior Wii Play: A Perfect Game

Every Wednesday, members of H-F Park District's FAB (Fifty-five or better) group gather at the to play… video games?

"Competitiveness, exercise and camaraderie” are some of the things that Zsa Juby, who is in charge of the program, says are offered by Senior Wii Play days. A favorite game amongst the seniors is Wii bowling.

"Some of these people haven't picked up a bowling ball in… 30-40 years,” said Juby. “And now they don't have to change their shoes, they done have to pick up a ten-pound ball, they are using an eight ounce [controller] and they are having a good time.”

Juby has been responsible for adding an additional layer of realism to the events by introducing surround sound and taping bowling lines on the floor.

 "They can actually take a three-step approach,” said Juby. "Or if they are not able to do that… they can do it from a wheelchair."

Janet Zaio, 66, of Glenwood is the all-star player. She has been coming to play Wii for the past three years. She bowled her third perfect game last week. 

"I've never seen it in five years since Wii came out," said Juby while chuckling.

"If I bowl other places, I don't bowl 300," said Zaio, whose mastery of the game has given her an informal "coach" status among the rest of the FAB members.

However, while Zaio enjoys the bowling, something else keeps her coming back multiple times every month. 

"The smiles on the people's faces, the pure enjoyment that they get out of being able to accomplish something….the Wii bowling is just an extra benefit," said Zaio, who proceeded to get up and throw a strike.