Bingocize®, an evidence-based 10-week program, combines a bingo game with exercise and health education. The goals of Bingocize® are to improve or maintain mobility and independence, teach participants to use health information focused on falls reduction, physical activity, and nutrition, and engage adults in social interaction. The long-term outcomes of this program have proven that participants have improved lower and upper body strength, improved gait, balance and range of motion, improved aspects of cognition, increased social engagement, improved knowledge of falls risk reduction, and gained important nutrition knowledge to adopt new habits and practices. 

The twice a week, 10-week series was provided two times by Boone and Kenton County Cooperative Extension Service Family and Consumer Sciences agents for clientele of the local community rehabilitation center for physically and mentally challenged adults. Due to COVID-19 restrictions the sessions were conducted virtually, via Zoom. Professional staff at the location facilitated the sessions and oversaw the physical movements of the clients to ensure safety. The first series focused on nutrition and the second focused on fall prevention. During each session, bingo numbers were called between questions and discussion related to the topic, and seated chair exercises were completed. Take home cards were provided each week to encourage participants to continue the physical activities between sessions. 

A total of 54 adult men and women attended at least one class with 27 attending at least five classes. Pre- and post-session assessments were completed by 19 participants. The pre/post assessments revealed 30 percent of participants had increased their physical activity as a result of the program. As a result of the programs, 74 percent talked with their family members about falling, 79 percent modified their living environment to decrease their risk of falling, 11 percent had their vision checked, and 42 percent had their medications reviewed. Verbal evaluations completed at the end of the sessions indicated participants could name information found on a food label and how they could use it to improve their health, could identify the five segments of MyPlate and tell what foods belong in each section, discuss ways to reduce their risks of falling including decreasing clutter, watching for pets, talking with family members and discussing concerns with their healthcare providers.  

In light of COVID-19 effects on this vulnerable population, Bingocize® allowed participants to safely connect with an instructor from outside their agency, engage in physical activity, and learn about healthy living through a fun, interactive program.