WYMHM: "use of exergames significantly improved mood and mental health-related quality of life in older adults"

In the study, 19 participants with SSD ranging in age from 63 to 94 played an exergame on the video game system during 35-minute sessions, three times a week. After some initial instruction, they chose one of the five Nintendo Wii Sports games to play on their own - tennis, bowling, baseball, golf or boxing.

Using the Wii remote - a wireless device with motion-sensing capabilities - the seniors used their arm and to simulate actions engaged in playing the actual sport, such as swinging the remote like a tennis racket. The participants reported high satisfaction and rated the exergames on various attributes including enjoyment, mental effort, and physical limitations.

2 responses
When I think of people who play the WII, elderly people is not the first age group that comes to mind. I think it goes beyond the mental health and mood aspects too. Since many elderly people have physical limitations caused by frailty and chronic conditions, the WII can provide a limited form of exercise that they are capable of actually doing.
Wii bowling is quite popular is Port Aransas, Texas, a location known for its 'snowbirds,' older individuals from northern states who spend the winter months on (or near) the beach. In addition to the reasons you mention for the appeal of the Wii, I think it also has to do with the social aspect of many of its games.