Quoted from Carmoney:I was on the phone this evening with my dad (who is in his 70s and lives in a modest retirement community in Florida), and three separate times he mentioned that I should send one of my pinball machines down there to him. He also reminded me that he was a pretty good pinball player back in the day! He was kidding around, of course, but since that conversation I have begun to think seriously about buying him a machine.
The first problem is that he has no extra room at his place--but I was thinking maybe it could be placed at the community center, where all the members could enjoy playing it. (It's a co-op arrangement where the community property, building, pool, etc. are jointly owned by the members.)
Be honest with me--is this a good idea? Do most folks in their later years have the ability to still enjoy pinball? Or would eyesight issues and slowing reflexes just make it frustrating? I'm imagining all the old-timers having fun playing the machine, competing, and interacting with each other. But I'm afraid I might be projecting my own personal passion for pinball a little too far. Y'know, like a little kid who buys his parents a toy for Christmas that he really wants for himself!
Boredom is a huge problem for my dad. His physical capacities are somewhat limited, and it's not real easy for him to travel. I would really like to help him find some stuff to do that doesn't involve the TV and sitting around in his chair all the time.
I would like to hear what you Pinside guys think of this idea--and I would particularly like to hear from any older players who happen to notice this topic and have first-hand experience that is relevant.
Thanks!
Mike
Old people love pinball. You act like they’re walking skeletons. My grandmother enjoys pinball and she’s 80. She constantly talks about how they played them on the boardwalk for a nickel. Shuffle alley would definitely be more popular because it’s a great game to talk and play at the same time causally.
There are tons of Pinballers in Florida. Try and find a local guy and see if you can strike a deal for them to be maintained. Go for a pinball person, operators don’t care if it’s not making them money.
A solid EM will make their year. It brings back great memories and they’re fun to play over and over.
