Wii Bowling: A Perfect Fit for an Active Senior Living Community

While wandering around Brethren Village’s campus in Lititz, you might hear “oohs” and “aahs” drifting from Residential gathering areas. Yet, the source of excitement may come as a surprise to you. “I enjoy the camaraderie with the other gals,” Doris Smith said. “We laugh, we talk, and we have fun!” As an active senior living community, Brethren Village offers a variety of recreational activities for Residents to enjoy, including a community-wide favorite: Wii bowling.

In 2014, Brethren Village introduced Wii bowling and joined a nationwide consortium of retirement communities playing the recreational sport. The activity quickly gained popularity across the Village, leading Residents to form their own teams.

“Wii bowling is essentially a video game,” Sandy Vigilante, Recreational Coordinator, said. “You bowl just like you would in real life except the bowling balls and pins are on the TV screen and you use a controller like a remote.”

Engaging Mind and Body in an Active Senior Living Community

Wii bowling, while not physically strenuous, encourages Residents to engage their minds and enhance their hand-eye coordination. This combination of light activity and mental focus offers a valuable opportunity to improve cognitive function, making it a beneficial recreational choice for all Residents.

Accessibility for All

One of the key advantages of Wii bowling is its accessibility; participants can play while sitting or standing, accommodating all levels of care across campus. Throughout the year—summer, fall, and winter—Residents come together to form approximately 20 teams, creating a sense of community and teamwork.

Building Community Connections

Wii bowling creates a welcoming environment for Residents to come together and form new friendships. It also strengthens existing bonds while filling the air with laughter and friendly competition. By participating in Wii bowling, Residents not only maintain an active lifestyle but also enrich their daily lives with meaningful interactions and shared experiences.

Wii Bowling at the Village

Even when the official season ends, the spirit of competition and camaraderie remains strong among Residents. In the off-season, you can catch teams like The Village Angels continuing to bowl weekly to sharpen their strategy and skills.

“Sometimes we beat ourselves up over a bad game,” Flossie Mohn said. “But then we like to remind ourselves that it is a game, we are having fun, and out of our apartments.”

Teammates Doris Smith, Becky Hynicka, Flossie Mohn, and Gail Boris have been bowling together as The Village Angels for several years now. One of their favorite memories together was the day Flossie bowled a perfect game.

More than a video game, Wii bowling has become an integral part of the active senior living community at Brethren Village — an experience that encourages genuine connections, physical activity, and a sense of achievement.

If you hear “oohs” and “aahs” echoing around campus, the Wii bowling community warmly invites you to join in on the vibrant lifestyle of active senior living. Regardless of your skill level, there is always a spot for you in Wii Bowling.

Residents interested in joining Wii bowling should contact Recreation Coordinator Sandy Vigilante for more information.