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 Lyon County taught Bingocize® to 24 participants twice a week for 10 weeks. Of these participants, 24 completed a pre- and post-unit evaluation. Ages of the participants ranged from 59 years old to 95 years old.  According to evaluations and discussion with the participants, there were numerous positive side effects beyond improved physical fitness. Enhanced mental well-being from regular physical activity, reduced stress, anxiety, and depression. The social aspect of group exercise fostered a sense of community and belonging. Coming to class with friends made it easier to stick to a regular exercise routine. Overall, the Bingocize® program helped enhance physical, mental, and social benefits contributing to a holistic improvement in quality of life.

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