Nov 25, 2009 4:48 pm US/Eastern
Brotherly Love: Teens & Seniors Bond Over Wii
PHILADELPHIA (CBS 3) ―
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Who says teenagers and seniors have nothing in common? Both want to have fun, and both get a kick out of learning new things.
CBS
Who says teenagers and seniors have nothing in common? Both want to have fun, and both get a kick out of learning new things. Some students in Ambler take time to teach seniors some of their favorite things—like one very popular video game.
"I love to bowl, but I don't bowl anymore," said Philomena Spagnolia of Flourtown. She's 86.
So now bowling can come to her and other seniors in Ambler, thanks to some teens and tweens and a machine called Wii.
There are no heavy bowling balls, just a light controller that fits right in your hand. Students from St. Anthony St. Joseph Elementary of Ambler provide the lessons.
"They didn't have the stuff when they were our age, so now they're learning a new skill," said Emily Fletcher, age 13.
"After their fifth try, they're almost pros at it," said 13-year-old Genevieve Hagedorn. "They're better than I'm doing!"
It's all part of a service project their school created to bring generations together. There's also knitting, playing pool and board games.
Principal Kathleen Dilts said, "I think it helps them to keep young. They're playing games and they're laughing, and it's just bringing joy to them."
Not only joy, but stories to share. Frances Hynoshock of Maple Glen said, "My great grandchildren couldn't believe that I had a spare today! They just laugh at me."
Philomena Spagnolia says she's hooked. "I love it. I wish I had one of these at home!" she said.
And they love chatting with the children. "I think they're wonderful," said Ada Sandy of Roslyn.
Mazie Kitchen, who got a spare and a strike in just a few tries, says the learning goes both ways. "What do I teach them? That old people can have fun!" Mazie laughed.
The seniors sound excited to keep learning. One mentioned she'd like to learn tennis on the Wii next.
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