Lincoln County  FCS Plays Bingocize® 

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 older adults who play two times a week for 10-weeks significantly reduce the fear of falling, increase levels of physical activity, and decrease feelings of social isolation. Because Bingocize® contributes to overall health and well-being and has a proven following in 49 states and multiple countries, FCS Extension renewed 25 county licenses for 2024-2026. Nine new agents were trained. Sixteen agents were recertified.    

Participants (Bingocizers^®) complete a series of strategically inserted exercises designed to increase or decrease the intensity and volume of exercise. Health education questions are also inserted into the game. Participants rest while numbers are called for the bingo game, then complete more strategically inserted exercises or health education questions, rest during number calling, and so on. This pattern is continued until a Bingocizer® wins the game. Small prizes are awarded to winners. Additional games are played until all planned exercises are completed. 

?The overall goals of the program are to help older adults: 

1. Improve and/or maintain mobility and independence 
2. Learn and use health information focused on falls reduction and other health-related behaviors 
3. Engage older adults in social settings 

To help participants learn and use health information focused on behavior related to nutrition, the FCS Agent in Lincoln County taught Bingocize® to 15-20 participants twice a week for 10- weeks. Of these participants, 15 completed a pre- and post-unit evaluation with positive improvements to their health and health knowledge. Ten completed 80% of the sessions.