The Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Agent and FCS Assistant offer Bingocize® every other month in Henderson County. The FCS agent has been leading groups in Bingocize® since she was trained as a facilitator in 2021. When asked what participants likes most about the program, they reported that Bingocize® makes moving fun. The agent shared that a caregiver traveled to her office to help a young woman with a physical disability participate. During the 10-week program, the young woman was motivated to move her legs on her own. A gentleman living with Parkinson’s disease attended so that he was held accountable for his weekly physical activity. It was also noticed the social implications of Bingocize® too. “People attend the Bingocize® games because it is fun. Participants even ask if they can bring their friends.” The success with Bingocize® has been contributed by her partnerships with other local organizations such the public library.  

Participants enjoyed Bingocize® because they liked the exercises mixed with playing bingo.  They enjoyed each other in the group and helped them become motivated to come and do the program.   They also enjoyed the 60’s music played during the exercises.  

The program averages 15 participants every other month.  Out of the 15 most have talked to their family members and friend about the program and how to reduce their chances of falling.  90% of the participants have had their vison checked and had medications reviewed by a health care provider or pharmacist.  About half come back every other month to participate and 95% bring a friend the next class.  The participants ask about the next program at every meet.  The FCS agent has the library on board with the program and plan to continue to implement as long as participants show up.