Bingocize® was created by Dr. Jason Crandall, Co-Director/Co-Founder at the WKU Center for Applied Science in Health & Aging. He created the socially engaging group-based game that combines health education and exercise in the format of BINGO. Dr. Crandall and his research team have tested the program and demonstrated that over 90% of older adults who played two times a week for 10 weeks significantly improved physical, social and mental health. 

Dr. Crandall trained 60 UK FCS extension agents in February 2021 to teach Bingocize® to a minimum of 20 participants between June 1, 2021 - May 31, 2023.   As a trained leader, Jill Harris, Todd County FCS Agent, volunteered to be a Bingocize® leader in Dr. Crandall’s NIH funded clinical trial. Leaders were randomly assigned to teach one of four groups: (1.) Group uses tablets to play bingo, exercise, health education; (2.) Group uses tablets to play bingo only, (3.) Group uses tablets for bingo and exercise; and (4.) Group uses tablets for bingo and health education. 

Five (5) White females all between the ages of 65-64 agreed to the NIH study in Todd County. They attended two classes a week at the county extension office for 12 weeks. To some people’s disappointment, Todd County was randomly assigned to be a “play bingo only” group. 

At the end of the 12 weeks, 100% of the participants reported enhanced social well-being. Specifically, participants reported that (a) Bingocize® added to their social well-being, (b)  Bingocize® increased overall understanding about the importance of social well-being and connection; and (c) Bingocize® helped participants feel more connected to people in their community. Overall, 100% of the participants felt that playing bingo only as a group was worth their time and effort.

 From Bingocize®, participants learned that bingo and people are fun. The program provided opportunity to connect—whether it was meeting new friends or connecting/spending time with old friends. It added a spot of brightness to program days. Participants also learned various cooking and nutrition tips after the Bingocize® lessons were over, such as knife skills and trying new recipes.

 In summary, the Todd County Bingocize® participants may not have had the opportunity to play bingo with a focus on health and exercise like some of the other groups in the NIH study but participating in the “bingo only” group did not keep participants in Todd County from enhancing their social health. Social health, which contributes to overall health, well-being and life quality, is measured by the meaningful relationships and the social connections that people create. As social beings, people need to spend and enjoy time with others, develop intimate relationships and friendships, care for and about others and let others care for and about you, and contribute to society. 

 As we continue to live alongside the pandemic, the ability to socialize continues to be challenged. We know now, more than ever, that if we do not have a strong social system, other areas of health are negatively impacted. Social isolation and loneliness can seriously and negatively impact both physical and mental health, especially as we age. Loneliness is associated with depression, anxiety, and suicide. It can lead to cardiovascular problems, dementia, and death. 

 Recognizing the ways in which social health is important for overall health and well-being, Todd County joined Western Kentucky University and FCS Extension across the state to be a part of a support system that offers fun and creative health and wellness programs. Todd county Bingocize® program helped prevent social isolation.