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. 

To help participants learn and use health information focused on behavior related to exercise and fall prevention, the FCS Agent in Letcher County taught Bingocize® to fifteen participants twice a week for 10 weeks. All fifteen participants completed post evaluations. 

Prior to the program, two participants reported that their health was very good. After the program, three participants reported very good health. Also, prior to the program, two participants reported falling in the last three months. Following the program three participants reported falling in the last ten weeks but were able to get up on their own and was not hurt (fell due to not paying attention to their surroundings). Prior to the program all fifteen participants did 30-second chair stands (none used hands to help). Following the program all fifteen participants increased their number of 30- second chair stands by at least two with the highest number being fifteen.

The Letcher County FCS agent also provided information on basic nutrition (reading food labels, food groups etc.) to the participants as well. They received a balance of physical activity and good nutrition to encourage and promote a healthy and active lifestyle.

As a result of this program, all fifteen participants feel more comfortable talking to health care providers about medications and other fall risk factors and all fifteen participants feel more comfortable talking to family and friends about falling and would highly recommend this program to a friend or relative.

Participants stated "this program makes me more accountable", "love the friendships and laughter" and "can't wait until we do this program again".