Card games, crafts and chit-chat take a back-burner to video games in some area retirement homes. The Nintendo Wii game system with its motion-sensing remote gives seniors and those with disabilities a chance to play sports, albeit virtual ones.

The games disguise mild physical activity as fun, encouraging even those who shy away from computers to play with the latest video technology.

“Everybody feels normal for a minute,” says Amy Coleman, activities director at The Pioneer House. “They’re kids again.”

The assisted-living center attached to Elim Rehabilitation and Care Center in south Fargo received a Wii from an anonymous donor almost two months ago. At first Coleman doubted residents would take to the console.

But Wii bowling became a big hit. Four regulars, including Berge, rarely miss the Friday morning activity also attended by 2- and 3-year-olds from the affiliated day care.

“I’ve never seen them so eager to do something every week,” Coleman says.

About 24 percent of computer and video game players are older than 50, according to the Entertainment Software Association.

Playing the virtual games does more than give grandparents and great-grandparents a way to show off to their younger family members, says Roger Stroh, a physical therapist with At Home Physical Therapy.

The games challenge players to improve their endurance, balance and stamina. For those who can’t get to a tennis court or a bowling alley, the games develop motor skills and eye-hand coordination while injecting some competitive spirit into the mix.

“Getting up and doing something is good for the heart, soul and mind,” Stroh says. “For our senior population, they can successfully perform games and activities that they haven’t done in years.”

Del Uppman, 80, used to bowl in a league but hasn’t handled a ball in more than a decade.

When 4 Seasons Assisted Living in Moorhead purchased a Wii, she dusted off her skills and quickly applied them to the virtual game.

Last Monday afternoon, amid the smell of freshly popped popcorn, Uppman and others settled down for several games. She bowled a 159, a score that prompted her competitor, Norma Lincoln, 83, to declare: “you’re beatin’ the britches off me.”

“I think it’s fun,” Uppman says. “It’s relaxing and you get a lot of laughs.”

She underwent shoulder surgery several years ago and doubts she could lift a 14-pound bowling ball anymore. But Uppman might be able to beat her elementary-aged grandson in Wii bowling.

“He hasn’t seen me play yet, but he’s heard me talk about it,” Uppman says. “I’d like to play a game with him.”

Rachel Welder, activities director at 4 Seasons, says that most residents have caught on to the game quickly and are willing to teach others how to play. The activity builds self-esteem and promotes social interaction.

“It’s like learning a new hobby,” Welder says. “At that age, you don’t get many opportunities to learn something new and master it.”

At Fargo’s Pioneer House and the adjoining Elim, people of all ages and abilities play the Wii, Coleman says. She imagines that as other retirement communities get their own game systems, tournaments could become a community-wide event.

During a recent Friday bowling session, Berge and Betty Toppen, 82, competed against each other. Berge’s fast right hook thrilled the preschoolers who clapped every time the pins toppled.

In the 10th frame, Toppen posted a strike. It didn’t bump her score above Berge’s 114, but it really didn’t matter.

“Happy day,” she says. “Anytime I can get out of my room and be with people, it’s a happy day.