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.  

To help participants learn and use health information focused on behavior related to exercise, the FCS Agent in Woodford County taught Bingocize® to 15 participants twice a week for 10 weeks, in partnership with the Woodford County Senior Citizens Center. Of these participants, 13 completed a pre-and post-unit evaluation.  

Prior to the program, 10 participants reported that their health was “fair”. After the program, 10 participants reported having “good” health.   

Prior to the program, 6 participants reported that they had “a little sad, down or uninterested’ in life to “severely sad, down, or uninterested in life”. After the program, only 3 participants reported feeling this way.  Prior to the program, 6 participants reported not having the social support system they feel they need. After the program, only 2 participants reported feeling this way.   

8 participants reported falling in the last three months. Since the time the program began, 1 participant reported a fall. Participants ranged in age from 53-92, and 13 were female. The majority of participants live alone.  

Prior to the program, 8 participants were a little to very fearful of falling and 7 reported that their fear interfered with social activities. After the program, 3 participants reported a fear of falling and 2 reported that their fear interfered with social activities. 

Prior to the program, 5 participants reported moderate activity at least 3 times per week or vigorous activity for at least 30 minutes, 3 times per week. After the program, 13 participants reported moderate activity at least 3 times per week or vigorous activity for at least 30 minutes, 3 times per week. 

As a result of this program, 10 participants feel more comfortable talking to healthcare providers about medications and other fall risk factors. 11 feel more comfortable talking to family and friends about falling. 13 reported feeling more comfortable increasing activity. 13 reported feeling more satisfied with their life and 13 participants would recommend this program to a friend or relative.