According to Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO), “mental health problems are common among seniors and may include isolation, affective and anxiety disorders, dementia, and psychosis, among others.  Many seniors also suffer from sleep and behavioral disorders, cognitive deterioration, or confusion states as a result of physical disorders or surgical interventions.  Research suggests that seniors benefit from supportive social connections and close personal relationships but suffer as a result of disrupted personal ties and loneliness.  In addition, older people should be encouraged to actively participate in their communities and in society at large.”  https://www3.paho.org/hq/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=9877:seniors-mental-health&Itemid=0&lang=en#gsc.tab=0  According to Western Kentucky University Center for Applied Science in Health & Aging, “unfortunately, less than 15% of older adults exercise regularly, which leads to inactivity and related health issues.”  One such program that offers seniors mental, physical, and social benefits is COVID-19 Bingocize which was created by Western Kentucky University Center for Applied Science in Health & Aging.  The Gallatin County Senior Center has struggled from the effects of COVID-19 and getting community collaborators back into the center for mental, physical and social activities.  

“COVID-19 Bingocize offers a unique solution that mixes exercise, health education, and bingo to help overcome health problems in participants.  Evidence shows social, cognitive, and physical improvements from doing COVID-19 Bingocize and the best part is that it’s fun and provided at no-cost.   COVID-19 Bingocize, when done on a regular basis, improves lower/upper body strength, improved way of walking, balance, and range of motion.  It improves mental abilities and increases social engagement.  COVID-19 Bingocize improves knowledge of falls risk reduction and other important health topics.”   (Western Kentucky University Center for Applied Science in Health & Aging) 

The Gallatin County Cooperative Extension Service Family & Consumer Sciences Agent, Ronda Rex, in collaboration with Western Kentucky University and the University of Kentucky Family & Consumer Sciences offered the 6 weeklong COVID-19 Bingocize Pilot Program for the Gallatin County Senior Center from August 1^st to September 7^th, 2023.  This pilot program was conducted 2 times a week for 6 weeks for 6 participants.   As a certified instructor for Bingocize, Ronda Rex taught exercises that were completed at each class with all participants while listening to music from our past.  The participants also took home exercise cards and completed them at home to adapt to an exercise routine.  COVID-19 questions were answered at each class and Bingo was played to help with maintaining mental agility.  

A pre- and post-chair evaluation revealed that 100% percent of the participants improved their ability to perform “sit to stand” exercises that were conducted in 30 seconds intervals.   The more stands completed results in a lower risk of falling.  Regardless the age, the more stands a person can make in 30 seconds, the lower that person’s risk of falling.  Research shows that almost everyone can benefit from regular physical activity.  One hundred percent of the participants completed the COVID-19 questions as asked at each class and during the final class.   Each of the Gallatin County participants completed the COVID-19 Bingocize Pilot Program and all paperwork was submitted to Western Kentucky University (wku.blackboard.com).   At the end of the pilot, a request was made by Kelly Bond, Aging & Disability Specialist for the Northern Kentucky Area Development District, for Ronda to continue with Bingocize at the Gallatin County Senior Center.   As a result of the pilot, Bingocize has not only proved to be a social- engaging and moral boosting program, but also resulted in participants improving both mental and physical health.  Success Story submitted October 6, 2023