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In an era of high technology there tends to be a misconception that those of a "certain age" are technophobic.

The members at the Kenai Senior Citizens Center beg to differ as they embrace the addition of the Nintendo Wii gaming system to their health program.

To generations who witnessed the invention of television, CDs, microwaves, rocket ships, computers, cell phones -- to name a few -- the Wii is not that intimidating.

"It is easy to use for most people right off. It can depend on the person but they can get the hang of it pretty quick with a little instruction," said Betty Osborn, who along with her husband, Bill, donated the system to the center.

"I had seen articles in many magazines about how good it is for seniors and how much fun it was to play," said Betty Osborn. "I hadn't played it myself but I just thought about it and thought about it. Then I just said 'To heck with it' and ran out and bought one."

Bill Osborn, who volunteers at the center, believes the social interaction the gaming system provides outweighs its cost.

"I have seen seniors who have hardly spoken to each other or anyone, become friends," he said. "Those friendships have carried over into other places in the center."

The center's Activity and Volunteer Coordinator LuAnn Barrett appreciated the opportunity to add options for the seniors to get their blood flowing.

"It is important for seniors to stay connected and socialize with others. This system encourages them to interact in a fun way," said Barrett. "It also gave us a way to expand our activity options and involve as many seniors as possible. Keeping them moving and active is the key to good health."

She said that while Wii activity has about half the level of energy output compared to other exercises offered, it remains an viable tool for the center's health program.

"Any movement is important! For some it's a step to getting active and may lead to other activities," she said. "Seniors need to keep busy and moving."

Barrett, recently certified as a personal trainer in senior fitness, appreciates the benefits the system offers in hand-eye coordination, stretching, balance and fine motor skills and would like to expand the program.

"There is interest but it needs funding. Donations would be great," she said.

Michele Alexander, a volunteer at the center and in charge of the Wii program, liked the way the system as a way of drawing people in.

"We have a 54-inch wide-screen TV, so those who are shy kind of walk by or stand at the back and watch," she said. "Then pretty soon they get closer and watch the fun and then the next session come back and give it a try."

Alexander said part of the genius of the system is it mimics normal movements, making it easier to master activities they have played before, and the controller is a two-button click.

"Those old controllers would drive you crazy," she said, swirling her thumbs in the air, grimacing. "Only two things to remember with these, you only have to use one (button) at a time with this and that makes it fun!"

The game of choice at the center at the moment is bowling -- so much so participants have started a league and are putting the word out to other centers they are ready for some competition. The group also is looking for a way to get bowling shirts.

"We have Wii bowling three days a week, twice a day, at 11 a.m. for beginners to try it out and at 1 p.m. for tournament play," said Alexander. "We play for eight weeks. Our next tournament is planned for July."

"Michele makes it an event -- not just something to kill time," said Barrett. "Awards, popcorn and ribbons so they can celebrate winning. They can be very competitive."

According to Alexander anyone, no matter their level of mobility, can participate.

"When seniors in wheelchairs drop by to watch, we drop into a chair and play sitting down, so they can know it is something they can do too," she said. "We don't have a tournament wheelchair player yet, but there is interest."

For Dorothy Howell who uses a cane, getting the hang of the game was simple.

"I have to use a cane to walk. This game only requires you to keep your balance and be able to aim the controller," she said. "I also injured my shoulder and was able to switch arms and still win," she said grinning. "You can't do that in real bowling. You would be out with an injury."

Howell and her doubles partner, Barbara L'Heureux, are the current reigning champs and rabid players.

"They should put this in the Senior Olympics," said L'Heureux. "You can be any level and play. Betty plays every day and bowls backward sometimes just for fun and still can gets strikes!"

Betty Osborn agreed.

"I bowl on a senior league, have for years, and the Wii game is great because the controller lets you put a visual line to the mark on the screen where you think you can get a strike, then you swing and let go. You don't have to be able to walk, in fact you can do it sitting down," she said. "There is no foul line -- that's nice for beginners."

Other league regulars including Peggy Meyer, Tom Holland and Becky Feagle, who are tad less competitive but just as enthusiastic about the system, sang its values for forging new friends and having a good laugh.

"It's all about fun! It's all about enjoying each other's company," said Meyer.

Nodding toward her good friend Howell, Meyer said, "Tell about what we have been doing Tom."

"'Wii' been losing! That's what 'Wii' have been doing," Holland said with a belly laugh.

Holland, described by his teammates as a 'thorn among the roses,' finds keeping a sense of humor also a key to good health.

"Being together and making friends is important when you get older. This makes it easy to do and have a good laugh together and -- at yourself," he said taking a ribbing about losing from Feagle.

Barrette summed up the system and the new program at the center as a strike.

"If I am tied up with something, they come and find me to get it set up. It is available anytime for them to enjoy -- and they do. That's what is important," she said.