Benefits of Playing Bingo for the Elderly

Bingo has long been recognized as a pastime for elderly communities but the long-term effects of bingo can often go overlooked. From physical-health to mental-health improvements, let’s take a look at the benefits of playing bingo for the elderly.

Inclusivity

It doesn’t matter if you’re in a wheelchair or in the early stages of dementia. Bingo for elderly people is an inclusive game where all are welcome regardless of ability levels. Senior bingo is an excellent way for elderly people to sharpen their brain, enjoy social benefits, and improve overall physical health. Grab friends and family for a game and you’re sure to have a fun time where everyone is welcome.

Improves Physical Health

Bingo may not involve a ton of physical exertion but you can still experience physical benefits. Chicago’s Rush University Medical Center conducted a study of subjects entering their 80s and determined that those with higher levels of social activity did not need as much assistance with tasks such as dressing themselves. According to the study, “Results showed that a person who reported a high level of social activity was about twice as likely to remain free of a disability involving activities of daily living than a person with a low level of social activity.”

Provides an outlet for social interaction

Since they are prone to stress, anxiety, and depression, it is important for seniors to maintain an active social life. Playing bingo can be a great excuse for seniors to meet new friends, with whom they can befriend outside of bingo as well.

Improves Mood

Seniors playing bingo can experience the joy of laughter, which can release endorphins to elevate your mood, relieve stress, and promote relaxation. Sharing a few laughs with friends creates an overall sense of wellbeing, including pain-relieving effects. Fun-filled memories can also help distract you from your average aches and pains.

Promotes Healing

Surprisingly, seniors who spent time playing games such as bingo have been known to have shorter recovery times during hospital stays. Playing games is not only a great way to pass the time while resting. It is also an excellent way to experience positive emotions to decrease depressive symptoms and the perception of pain associated with recovering.

Enhances cognitive functions

Playing bingo requires concentration, short-term memory, and the ability to retain information. Players must pay attention to the numbers called out and locate the numbers on the board quickly before they forget. This can sharpen seniors’ brain functions while enjoying a fun game with friends. Research has shown that senior bingo can also boost brain function among seniors with Alzheimer’s disease.

Improves Hand-Eye Coordination

As seniors age, their hand-eye coordination starts to deteriorate and they begin to have slower reflexes. The repetitive and fast-paced nature of bingo involves quickly identifying the numbers called and locating them on your board. This encourages coordination between the brain, hands, and eyes and further delays the onset of mobility issues and other obstacles. Even the simple act of placing chips on the board help them retain fine motor skills and overcome discomfort from arthritis.