By: Blonde One

The Two Blondes like all things outdoors and therefore aren’t too keen on things that keep people indoors. This Blonde especially has a particular aversion to gaming. Not the innocent type of game that involves dice, tiles with letters or a metal top hat – no, the games I’m talking about are the noisy, violent, addictive computer games that seem to fill far too many young peoples lives when we all know that they would be better off doing something else. I believe I have ranted before about computer games, so maybe you’ve got the idea just how much I dislike them? It came as quite a shock this week when I had to concede that these games do have a positive side! Hard to believe, isn’t it? I recently discovered that the fantastic Birmingham University have been using computer game technology to create something that this Blonde wholeheartily (great word) approves of. They have been researching recovery amongst hospital patients and have used gaming technology to create virtual walks. Patients can ‘play’ along and actually make decisions about whether to turn left or right, whether to cross a bridge or sit on a bench. The patients recovery rate has got to be higher surely? I love this idea and I’m sure our loyal Blondette, Rach, would have loved to have had access to this when she was recovering after her knee op. I can’t imagine not being able to get out into the fresh air, so I think this is a perfect compromise. Well done all those clever professors at Birmingham Uni!

Oh, I almost forgot – I haven’t told you the best bit about all this. The two walks that Birmingham have used are Burrator Reservoir on Dartmoor and Wembury beach on the south coast! What better place to encourage recovery.

So, yes, I give in – gaming is not all bad!