Bingocize is an evidence-based 10-week program that combines a bingo-like game with exercise and/or health education. The goal of Bingocize is to improve and/or maintain mobility and independence, learn and use health information focused on falls reduction and other health-related behavior, and engage older adults in social settings. The long-term outcomes of Bingocize have proven to be that there are more 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, improved patient activation, and other important health topics. Bingocize has many important benefits and reasons to participate.

The 10-week program includes a total of 20 sessions on the topic of Falls Prevention. During each session, participants are given a bingo card, a resistance band, and a stress ball. The class starts with the instructor reading aloud information over falls prevention and then 3 bingo numbers are called. This is followed by 3 different exercise moves that each last 40 seconds. Then, it begins again with more information on falls prevention, 3 bingo rolls, and 3 more exercises. This cycle is repeated 4 times throughout the class. At the end of the class, bingo numbers are called until a participant calls out a bingo. Lastly, prizes are given, and Take-Home Cards are passed out for participants to take home. The Take-Home cards are used to encourage activity and participation in between sessions.  

Recently, the Hardin County Family and Consumer Sciences Agent offered the Bingocize Falls Prevention Program at the Griffin Manor Senior Center in Hardin County. A total of 16 participants signed up to complete the program. Over the course of 10 weeks, participants were happy with their experience and enjoyed learning more on how to stay safe in their homes and how to hopefully reduce the risk of falling both indoor and out. At the end of the program, 100% of participants reported that they felt more confident in their abilities to reduce falls, gained skills to help protect themselves in the event of falling, and felt that they had become steadier on their feet. All participants reported that they would recommend the program to others and would participate again in the future.