Describe the Issue or Situation.

Improved access to mental health and wellbeing resources and more senior citizen support programs received significant ranking in Clinton County’s 2023 data from the University of Kentucky Extension Statewide Community Needs Assessment.

Describe the Outreach or Educational Program Response (and Partners, if applicable).

With an anticipated growing senior adult population, the identified need for more programs, and past program success, a nutrition education unit of Bingocize® was implemented in Fall 2024 and a falls prevention unit was implemented in Spring 2025.  

Bingocize® is an evidence-based health promotion program that strategically combines the game of bingo, health education, and/or exercise. Groups meet twice per week for ten weeks, with each 45-60 minute session consisting of exercises (range of motion, balance, muscle strengthening, and endurance exercises), bingo, and health education questions. 

Provide the Number and Description(s) of Participants/Target Audience.

12 participants completed the nutrition education unit while 13 completed the falls prevention unit.

Provide a Statement of Outcomes or Program Impact. Please note that the outcomes statement must use evaluation data to describe the change(s) that occurred in individuals, groups, families, businesses, or in the community because of the program/outreach.

Prior to the nutrition education unit, 17% of participants indicated feeling sad, down, or uninterested in life while 23% indicated the same feelings prior to the falls prevention unit. At the end of each unit, no participants reported feeling this way.

Furthermore, as a result of both the nutrition education and falls prevention units, 100% of participants in each unit felt more comfortable talking to health care providers about medications and other fall risk factors. 100% felt more comfortable talking to family and friends about falling. 100% report feeling more comfortable increasing activity. 100% report feeling more satisfied with their life and would recommend this program to a friend or relative.   

Based on its success, Bingocize® and other senior support programs have become a regular part of local Extension programming.