Older adults do not exercise regularly, even though regular exercise can help prevent chronic diseases and falls. In addition, many older adults report that traditional exercise programs aren’t enjoyable. Bingocize® changes that!
Bingocize® is part of Extension's Healthy Aging Initiative programming. The 10-week evidence-based program combines exercise and health education with the familiar bingo game. It is meant to be played twice a week on nonconsecutive days, and each session usually lasts 45-60 minutes. The program can be implemented remotely or in a traditional face-to-face setting.
Bingocize® was developed by Western Kentucky University and meets the highest level criteria for evidence-based disease prevention and health promotion programs as established by the Administration on Aging Evidence-Based Programs Review Committee. The Health Communities Institute also recognized it as an evidence-based practice, and it's been approved by both SNAP-Ed and the National Council on Aging. Since 2011, it has been successfully implemented in assisted and independent living facilities nationwide.
The program offers three types of curriculum: exercise, fall prevention and nutrition —written and developed by faculty of the University of Nevada, Reno Extension's Health & Nutrition and Healthy Aging Initiative.
In Nevada, Bingocize® will be implemented in Clark County and virtually through Zoom. It may also be taught at limited-resource apartment complexes and senior centers in Churchill, Elko, Lyon, Pershing and White Pine counties.
