Hickman County seniors noted a fear of falling or additional injury when out and about or during exercise as a reason for neglecting to exercise.  6 of the 7 seniors who attended the initial information session listed this fear f injury or falling as the primary reason to not exercise or be more active, which 7 of 7 all agreed has effected them due to lower levels of energy and an increased level of depression, ranging from mild to more serious.

Bingocize is a program developed by Dr. Jason Crandell and Western Kentucky University that seeks to introduce realistic levels of exercise towards the senior population.  The program conducted in Hickman County during the summer of 2023 was a COVID based program working to not only introduce exercise but also help the public work through the potential misinformation they may have encountered and the participants were able to talk through and discuss their opinions in a respectful way.  Roughly 75% (estimated based on questions and/or comments of the participants) were familiar to the participants and the newer ones were able to be done with minimal adjusting for the older audience, age range 67 to 88.  The program material, while controversial to some who attended, was presented in a way that facilitated discussion and that discussion fed into fun conversation, laughing, and inside jokes, increasing the enjoyment and decreasing feelings of depression.

The COVID workshop was listed for 2 days a week for 6 weeks as opposed to the standard Bingocize workshops lasting for 10 weeks.  

This workshop was held in partnership with the Hickman County Senior Center at their facility with the target being those who come to the senior center but was open to anyone to come.

A total of 15 participants showed up to at least 2 sessions, and a full total of 18 showed up to at least one.  The main reasons for discontinuing involved lack of transportation, injury/illness, or appointments.  The information recorded reflected those participants who missed 2 or less session.  

Of the 7 participants who completed the pre- and post-assessments, 100% recorded an improvement in the sit to stand test, with all noting less use of pushing off a chair or table to stand.  71% noted feeling more confident in exercising more.  86% listed having fewer feeling of depression after exercising during the sessions and on more throughout the program.  42% felt more secure in improving their knowledge to avoid illness by social distancing or using a face covering.  100% were interested in participating in additional workshops.