Super bowl Wednesdays help keep seniors active

Retiree Aaron Mendoza stays physically and mentally active with Wii bowling.

A: It’s a way to stay in good shape physically and mentally; it builds a spirit of good, friendly fellowship and loyalty among team members. It improves my balance, which is important for me to prevent any drastic falls, and by having fun, it builds your spirit and improves your energy.

Laughter does many good things for our system, as you know. It lowers blood pressure and helps you forget aches and pains. It gets me out of my apartment and allows me to socialize and stay active, which is an important ingredient in maintaining good health. The national competition really excites us seniors -- winning trophies -- and it gives us a sense of rejuvenation.

Q: So playing Wii bowling is a good workout?
A: Definitely. We play once a week, on Wednesdays, from 1 p.m. to about 3 p.m. We play usually three games. Rhonda (Duncan, life enrichment coordinator), is our coach, and then we turn in our scores to her. Usually, there are four of us that play, and we have individual scores.

We have several teams; we turn in our scores to her and she keeps a really good database on our performance. We compete nationally, and she also gives little awards. We have an awards luncheon, and this year, I got four awards besides the trophy. Rhonda gives them for high scores, most improved bowler, high game and most valuable player. It keeps us all really enthused about bowling.

Q: What is the social aspect of the game like?
A: I absolutely love it. We really develop good camaraderie with our guys. You get to know each other a lot better.

Q: Are you preparing for any upcoming competitions?
A: Yes, we have a regional competition and then national competition, and Rhonda takes care of communicating with the other senior homes that get involved. We complete against Atlanta, Minneapolis and so on.

Q: Is there a steep learning curve for Wii bowling?
A: Definitely. I’ve been here at Parkway for almost three years. The first year, I was scoring around 170 a game, and then the second half, I scored around 299 and just recently, I scored a perfect score. You start getting in the rhythm, and it makes you feel good, like you’re accomplishing something.

NAME: Aaron Mendoza
AGE: 88
OCCUPATION: Retired computer salesman
COMMUNITY CONNECTION: Resident at Buckner Parkway Place, 1321 Park Bayou Drive, Houston
FAMILY: He was married for 62 years and has three children, nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, with two on the way.

Mark DeHaven is a freelance writer. He can be reached at neighborhoods@chron.com.