How 100-Year-Old Ushi Ando Uses Super Famicom Gaming to Stay Energetic

Super Famicom, Nintendo’s iconic 16-bit console, continues to foster intergenerational connections and promote healthy lifestyles over three decades after its release.

The inspiring story of Ushi Ando, a 100-year-old Japanese grandmother from Inawashiro Town, Fukushima Prefecture, showcases the profound impact classic gaming can have on longevity and cognitive wellness.

According to a Yahoo Japan report, Ushi Ando credits daily sessions on her Super Famicom for keeping her mind sharp and her body active.

Ando, who currently lives with her 65-year-old daughter Setsuko, first discovered video games over 30 years ago during a visit to her grandson in Tokyo.

What began as a casual encounter soon evolved into a lasting passion—one that has spanned multiple generations and survived three different Super Famicom consoles in her home. Ando’s gaming routine is both impressive and consistent.

She is reported to play for two to three hours each day, with Bomberman and Tetris ranking among her favorite titles.

Now a seasoned competitor, she often challenges her four-year-old great-grandson, playfully reminding him that “Grandma is better than you.

You still can’t beat me.” Reflecting on the role of gaming in her remarkable longevity, Ando explains, “Gaming keeps me active because I’m constantly using my fingers.

I don’t want to spend my days just resting.” Her statement echoes findings by health professionals and game developers that interactive entertainment can support mental agility and fine motor skills—even in advanced age. The Super Famicom, launched in Japan in 1990 and internationally as the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES), has sold over 49 million units worldwide.

Renowned for its robust library and enduring appeal, the console bridged digital generations with timeless classics such as Tetris and the Bomberman series.

Today, Nintendo continues to honor its legacy through the Nintendo Switch Online service, which offers access to select SNES titles via the eShop. Ando’s story illustrates how video games, from the Super Famicom era to modern platforms like the Nintendo Switch, remain a source of joy, cognitive enrichment, and community for players of all ages.

Her example not only highlights the diversity of the gaming audience but also affirms the unique role of video game consoles in promoting active, healthy aging.

Tetris Super Famicom Famicom Bomberman Fukushima Ushi Ando Nintendo Inawashiro Town Yahoo Japan