If you haven’t heard of ‘exergaming’, then read on because we are incredibly proud of this fantastic initiative at Air Force Memorial Estate - which is the only intergenerational project of its kind in Perth.

Exergaming is the term used for video games that are also a form of exercise that relies on technology to tracks body movement or reaction.

And not only did the Exergaming group - made up of students at All Saints College and RAAFA residents, known as the RAAFA SAINTS - win the 2017 Senior Recreation Council Exergaming WA Competition, late last year they also came second in the same Statewide competition.

Carena Blair, Welfare Officer, explains that the Seniors Recreational Council of WA helped to set up the RAAFA SAINTS, assisted by one of RAAFA’s amazing volunteers, Wellah Woodcott.

“This initiative is more than just a game of simulated bowling, it’s all about genuine friendship between our residents and the students at All Saints,” she explains.

“The kids have loads of after school opportunities, but they love coming to our estate, they tell their friends to put their names down for RAAFA Exergaming because our residents are so much fun.

“Each Tuesday afternoon during school term the group sets out afternoon tea and everyone is really attentive to each other.  So many kids don’t have grandparents to chat to, but they have the next best thing when it comes to visiting our estate.

“Put simply, we think it’s great to see this intergenerational project doing so well, and also computer technology being used to assist residents maintain physical fitness, improve balance and challenge memory and mind.”

Congratulations to the RAAFA SAINTS on coming second place in the competition for 2018!

Special thanks too, to Pamela Smart and Kay Barton who have also volunteered their time on this project.