The problem

Elderly individuals struggle receiving the recommended amount of daily exercise. Many attribute aches and pain to their demise of movement while others claim it is hard to stay motivated for physical activity on their own. 

The educational program response

Bingocize is a research-based program that mixes light exercise, education, and bingo in fun hour-long sessions that extend throughout 20 interactions. Harrison County, Kentucky has participated in two Bingocize opportunities utilizing both the Covid-19 and Nutrition units. Offered at the Harrison County Extension Office, Bingocize classes were offered twice a week for 6 weeks (with the Covid unit) and 10 weeks (with the Nutrition unit). 

The participants/target audience

The Bingocize units were developed to target an older population of individuals with light flexibility and strength building exercises. The Covid-19 unit helped educate participants on current covid guidelines and safety precautions. The Nutrition Unit incorporated educational topics of health and nutrition specific to an aging audience which complemented the learning of healthier habits.  

Other partners (if applicable)

Bingocize was produced by Western Kentucky University who partnered with the University of Kentucky Family & Consumer Sciences to broaden the scope of data collection. Once certified, UK FCS professionals are qualified to teach the program on a local level. The Harrison County, KY, FCS Agent received initial certification in 2022 to implement the Covid-19 Bingocize unit for 2023. After renewing the certification, the Nutrition Unit was implemented for 2024. The local library director took flyers to promote to their clientele. 

Program impact or participant response.

Eight individuals completed the Covid Unit from start to finish with an additional five participants attending when able. Twelve individuals completed the Nutrition Unit from start to finish. Seven additional individuals participated in the sessions they were available to attend. Many participants have expressed how much they’ve enjoyed the exercise programs and may success stories have been shared because of their involvement with Bingocize. 

One participant had recently undergone hip replacement surgery. Her doctor was amazed at her quick recovery and allowed her to end therapy sessions early. She accredited Bingocize for helping her progressive healing. Another participant’s husband shared with the instructor that his wife struggles with poor balance. But during her weeks with Bingocize she never fell. Shortly after Bingocize ended, she started stumbling again. One participant was advocating for the program and shared that she left her first session with sore ab muscles. “It really does work!” Another participant explained at the last session just how much Bingocize had helped her. “I wake up with cramps in my legs through the night which force me out of bed to walk off. I haven’t had any cramps since coming to Bingocize.”