Computer games used to involve sitting still and fiddling with joysticks and buttons, but the Wii is different - you have to move around to play.

You hold a simple remote control, and a sensor on your TV picks up its movement and orientation.

So to play ten-pin bowling, you make a sweeping bowling movement with your arm and release a trigger on the remote. The screen will show your ball rolling down the lane and (hopefully) knocking over the skittles. 

Other games and activities on the Wii include tennis, golf, yoga and balance exercises.

Playing on a Wii has many potential benefits for older people:

• It is an easy and gentle form of exercise.
• It provides fun and stimulation.
• It improves co-ordination and balance.
• It is a great shared activity between the generations.

Dr Lorna Layward, Senior Research Manager at Help the Aged, says:

'Physical exercise not only means we stay mobile for longer, but also has a significantly positive impact on our psychological wellbeing.'

Help the Aged has funded the purchase of Nintendo Wii consoles for older people's day centres.

Find out how we brought 'Wii Wednesdays' to Herefordshire