91-Year-Old ‘Gamer Granny’ Misses Welfare Check Calls Over Video Game Record

Westlake City Police Department Officials found a 91-year-old woman trying to break her record in a video game in response to a welfare check.

The Welfare checks are part of the “Are You Okay?” Program for which she’s a registered member. 

After her family couldn’t reach her by phone, they immediately alerted local authorities in Ohio. Officers rushed to her home, concerned about her well-being.

Moreover, she did not answer the program’s automated phone call, prompting a police response. 

Turns out, she was deeply immersed in beating her personal best in a video game. Because of this, she was unresponsive to calls and door knocks.

The Westlake Police Department recently shared the bodycam footage from the day, unveiling the moment in real time. 

For privacy reasons, they did not share the 91-year-old woman’s identity, nor did they share the footage of her being discovered mid-game.

ABC News affiliate News 5 Cleaveland highlighted the incident during their news segment. 

In the video, the police officer was seen entering through a garage door. This is presumably because she did not answer the knocks at the front door. As soon as they walked in, they noticed that the vehicle was in the garage. 

After being given access to the garage entrance, they stepped in and followed protocol by first announcing themselves to avoid startling her. 

Shortly after finding the 91-year-old safe and sound in her bedroom, officers informed Dispatch services. The officer on scene explained to the dispatcher, “We’re with her now. She’s playing video games in her bedroom.” 

The Internet Was Rooting for the 91-Year-Old Playing Video Games

The video of the 91-year-old woman went viral online, with many sharing it. Many netizens found the situation hilarious, given how it could’ve turned out completely differently. Possible gamers even claimed that this was the ultimate goal they would reach by her age. 

An internet pundit shared a video of the viral and perhaps savage moment, prompting responses from fellow netizens. One person exclaimed, “THIS IS EVERYTHING!!!” 

The next one wrote, “That is absolutely legendary GAMER GRANNY! Love to see her living her absolute best life and staying focused on the grind. 

A third person thought, “Granny must’ve been on level 8 of Mario bros.” Another claimed, “One of the greatest stories ever. LOL!” A fifth one cheered, “Go, Grandma!” Similarly, many expressed their humor in the situation. 

But many were also thankful that the 91-year-old woman was safe and sound rather than endangered. News 5 Cleveland shared an incident with a completely different outcome. 

Another elderly person like this one also didn’t respond to the automated message during the welfare call. When officials arrived, they found that she had fallen into her bathtub and required assistance to get up. 

What is the 'Are You Okay' Program? 

According to the program’s official website, the 'Are You Okay Program' is an initiative launched in Westlake, Ohio, to assist the elderly and “qualified residents.”

Those registered with the program receive a daily automated call to confirm their well-being. 

If the call is not answered, like in the case of the 91-year-old woman, the police are notified. After which, an officer is immediately dispatched to check in with the registered individual.