Proving that computer games aren’t just for the young, Paul Allen, CEO of Abbeyfield, the not-for-profit organisation dedicated to making the lives of older people easier and fulfilling, will be presenting care home The Willows in Kingsbury, Middlesex on Thursday 20 May with the first Nintendo Wii of 50 that are destined for Abbeyfield care homes across England.
Paul Allen ran in the 2009 Royal Parks Foundation Half Marathon in October. Generous donations from Professor C. J. Lim of University College London (UCL) who raised over £2,000 in a charity book sale and Boots, who made a £1000 contribution, ensured that Paul raised £8,000 for the organisation's properties located across the UK. Paul decided to spend the funds on helping Abbeyfield's elderly residents keep fit and healthy whilst having fun.
Abbeyfield, which relies upon donations and volunteers to provide a high quality of independent living for elderly people, embarked on the fundraising activity to purchase the Nintendo Wii consoles last year. They also approached The John Lewis Partnership, which agreed to supply an additional ten free consoles. These will all be distributed to Abbeyfield care homes across the UK in the next six to eight weeks.
A healthy lifestyle can have an impact on reducing high blood pressure, acting to prevent the onset of conditions such as arthritis and osteoporosis and stimulating cognitive and motor skills in the elderly. However, the less well known benefits of joint physical activity are the overwhelming psychological advantages they can deliver. CEO Paul Allen comments: “The health benefits of remaining fit and active are continually promoted to the young, but rarely to those in their advanced years. However, the importance of keeping mentally and physically agile is vital in maintaining a full, happy and long life for all ages. I'd like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their kindness and support."
According to recent findings, an estimated 300,000 of British pensioners admit going a whole month without speaking to anyone and rate the fear of loneliness as their chief concern; with more than six million elderly people in the UK suffering from depression.
Paul adds: “Human contact is central to the way in which we operate. It’s a sad fact that many of society’s older people feel deeply lonely, with a high proportion not having the social companionship that most people take for granted but can impact so significantly on our quality of life. This is why we’re so committed to providing our residents with all the elements of a happy healthy lifestyle, with communities and fitness being at the core of all our activity."