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.  

To help participants learn and use health information focused on behavior related to exercise, the FCS Agent in Letcher County taught Bingocize® to 14 participants twice a week for 10 weeks. Of these participants, 11 completed a pre- and post-unit evaluation. 

Prior to the program, 3 participants reported that their health was very good, 4 participants reported that their health was good and 4 participants reported that their health was fair. After the program, 1 participant reported that their health was excellent, 2 participants reported that their health was very good, 5 participants reported that their health was good and 3 participants reported that their health was fair.  

Prior to the program, 4participants reported that they had “a little sad, down or uninterested’ in life to “severely sad, down, or uninterested in life”. After the program, 3 participants reported feeling this way.  Prior to the program, 4 participants reported not having the social support system they feel they need. After the program, 3 participants reported feeling this way.  

Three participants reported falling in the last three months. 

Prior to the program, 7 participants were a little to very fearful of falling and 4 reported that their fear interfered with social activities. After the program, 8 participants reported fear of falling and 5 reported that their fear interfered with social activities.

Since the time the program began, 1 participants reported a fall.

Prior to the program, 2 participants reported seldom activity; 7 participants reported moderate activity at least 3 times per week; and 2 participants reported vigorous activity for at least 30 minutes, 3 times per week. After the program, no participants reported seldom activity; 5 participants reported moderate activity at least 3 times per week; and 5 participants reported  vigorous activity for at least 30 minutes, 3 times per week.

Nine participants were White, 1 participant was Asian, and 1 participant was Hispanic. They ranged in age from 47-88 years of age. All were female. Three participants live alone and majority of participants have completed high school and some college. 

As a result of this program, 10 participants feel more comfortable talking to health care providers about medications and other fall risk factors. Ten feel more comfortable talking to family and friends about falling. Ten report feeling more comfortable increasing activity. Ten report feeling more satisfied with their life and 10 participants would recommend this program to a friend or relative. 

Participants enjoyed Bingocize®: 

1. “Got to meet and know new people”
2. “Keeps my mind busy”
3. “Loved the laughter and friendship”

A valuable program, participants reported the following ways in which Bingocize® was helpful: 

1. “Was able to walk steps without going up one at a time”
2. “Helped with my mental health”
3. “Increased my physical activity and it was fun”