Bingocize

Bingocize™ is a successful preventative healthcare program designed to increase the physical fitness of older adults. Bingocize™ , which consists of two-three 60 minute exercise sessions per week, begin with participants’ sitting at tables with bingo cards, balance pads and resistance bands. After every two exercises, a letter and number combination is announced for the game. The pattern is continued until a participant wins the game. After completing a 10-week study, participants’ significantly improved functional fitness measures including mobility, balance, muscular strength, and flexibility. Moreover, participants’ interaction with undergraduate students created an intergenerational atmosphere – promoting a mutually beneficial and fun experience.

Bingocize™ has proved to be an inexpensive, effective, enjoyable, and easily replicated way to improve physical activity adherence and ultimately health- related quality of life in the older adults. The Administration on Aging (AoA) Evidence-Based Programs Review Committee found the BingocizeTM program to meet AoA’s minimal level criteria for evidence-based disease prevention and health promotion programs. With the help of trained community partners such as a local college, YMCA, or participant volunteers, this program can be easily replicated.