Using Kinect and HealthVault to Enhance Seniors’ Well-being

Since May 2011, seniors in Los Angeles have been getting fit, increasing social interaction, and enhancing their quality of life, thanks to a public-private partnership developed by Microsoft, the Los Angeles Department of Aging, Partners in Care Foundation, and St. Barnabas Senior Services. Details of the program—the “Exergamers” Wellness Club, which combines evidence-based health education, exercise, and overall health monitoring—were unveiled at an event today in Los Angeles, kicking off with a “flashmob” of seniors, ages 60 to 80, erupting into dance at St. Barnabas Senior Services.

Seniors in the program connect and compete with one another, using Kinect for Xbox 360 to exercise, dance and play games, all while monitoring their personal health information using Microsoft HealthVault.

Based on the success of this pilot program, Microsoft and its partners plan to extend the Club to other senior centers in Los Angeles and elsewhere. As part of the extension, 15 additional senior centers within the Los Angeles Department of Aging’s service area will receive a Kinect for Xbox 360 system, a selection of Kinect games, and a one-year subscription to Xbox LIVE.

For more information about the “Exergamers Wellness Club” and the project, visit https://aka.ms/exergamers.