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. Together, Dr. Crandall and Amy Kostelic worked to train 60 UK FCS extension agents in February 2021 to teach Bingocize® to a minimum of 20 participants between June 1, 2021 – June 30, 2023. 

Since July 1, 2022 twenty-eight (28) FCS Agents reported teaching Bingocize. Post program data was reported on 391 participants. Of these, 75 participants completed evaluations. (96%) reported that the program motivated them to increase their activity. 70 participants (93%) reported that the program increased their life satisfaction. 

As a result of the program, 59 participants (78.6%) reported taking fall prevention measures including (a) talking to a family member, friend, or health care professional about falls, (b) having their vision checked, (c) reviewing their medication with a health provider, and (d) participating in a fall prevention community program. 45 participants (60%) reported making at least one home modification to help prevent falls because of Bingocize®.   

71 participants (94.6%) reported being very satisfied with the program. 71 participants (94.6%) reported that they would recommend the program to family member or friend. 

Working in collaboration with the Kentucky Division of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (DDID), under the leadership of the University of Kentucky (UK) Human Development Institute (UK HDI), FCS Extension is currently helping pilot the newest Bingocize unit on COVID-19. Evaluation data is due November 1, 2023. This lesson highlights facts and myths about COVID-19, information about vaccinations, and tips for staying healthy. FCS will work with UK HDI to help increase participate reach regarding age and ability.