However, Taree's Storm Retirement Village is introducing the older generation to console gaming with the new lifestyle program, Life in Motion.

The program aims to encourage physical and social activity by using the Xbox Kinect console, which relies on a motion sensor to control the game rather than a traditional joystick. Trials have suggested that the Xbox Kinect gaming technology produces various physical and cognitive benefits.

Residents of Storm Retirement Village were introduced to the Xbox Kinect at the official launch of the program this week.

The move is the first of its kind in the Manning region, with the program already being successfully introduced in aged care homes in Newcastle.

Anglican Care marketing manager Kylie Jacques said that using the technology came with a variety of benefits.

"It's great because residents with differing care needs, including dementia, can use the console," she said.

Kylie also mentioned the positive social aspects of the software, with many residents attending the launch.

"They're all really interested," she said.

With Xbox games generally targeting teenagers, Kylie said it was about "testing and trialling" what works with the residents.

Games which have been successful so far include driving games, which include the use of a steering wheel, as well as fishing games.