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 Montgomery County taught Bingocize® to 8-10 participants twice a week for 6 weeks. Of these participants, 6 completed a pre- and post-unit evaluation. 

Prior to the program, 1 participant reported that their health was good, and 5 participants reported that their health was fair. After the program, all participants noted that they feel more comfortable doing certain tasks at home alone. 4 out of 5 participants said they felt that their health has improved and will continue practicing their exercise and movements. 

Prior to the program, 2 out of 6 participants were a little to very fearful of falling and 4 reported that their fear interfered with social activities. After the program, 6 participants reported fear of falling and 6 reported that their fear interfered with social activities.

Since the time the program began, 1 participant reported a fall with injury. 

Prior to the program, 2 participants reported seldom activity; 3 participants reported moderate activity at least 3 times per week; and 0 participants reported vigorous activity for at least 30 minutes, 3 times per week. After the program, no participants reported seldom activity; 6 participants reported moderate activity at least 3 times per week; and 0 participants reported vigorous activity for at least 30 minutes, 3 times per week.

Demographics for the 5 participants were white, non-Hispanic and 1 black. They ranged in age from 65-81 years of age. All were female. All participants lived with their spouse, and majority of participants have completed high school and some college. 

As a result of this program, 6 participants feel more comfortable talking to health care providers about medications and other fall risk factors. 6 feel more comfortable talking to family and friends about falling. 5 report feeling more comfortable increasing activity. 6 reports feeling more satisfied with their life and 6 participants would recommend this program to a friend or relative.