Trained staff members teach participants muscle strengthening, balance, and endurance in between fun bingo games. The BINGOCIZE program is coming to Chenango County with its first orientation class, 2:30 to 3:30 p.m., April 12 at the Brightman Senior Center in Greene. (submitted photo)

GREENE — Chenango County Health Department is hosting the new program Bingocize, alongside Area Agency on Aging. The program includes exercise and bingo to those at risk of falling, mostly aged 55 plus. The first orientation class and continued classes will be from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m., April 12 through a ten-week course at the Brightman Senior Center located at 25 Birdsall Street.

Chenango County Department of Health Supervising Community Health Nurse Heather Miller said, “Bingocize is a 10-week exercise and bingo program that meets twice weekly for one hour. Public Health and Area Agency on Aging are collaborating with this program and will be traveling to various locations throughout the county with three certified staff members offering the program.”

Targeted participants are sedentary, older adults at all physical and mental ability levels in a variety of settings including certified nursing facilities, assisted living, independent living, and community senior centers.

“The rate of falls significantly increases as we age, especially in the 65 years and older population. In an effort to reduce falls that can result in injury, hospitalization, and death, the Chenango County Health Department and the Chenango County Area Agency on aging opted to try an evidenced- based health program created by Dr. Jason Crandall,” said Miller.

Adherence and retention are typically less than 50 percent in older adults as they believe exercise programs are painful and not much fun. Dr. Jason Crandall addressed this problem and created the program that combines exercise, health education, and the popular game bingo.

His research team found over 90 percent of older adults were retaining lessons and improving physical, social, and mental health. Over all health outcomes can include improved lower/upper body strength, balance, range of

The concept is to teach participants light exercises to create better balance and muscle strength while enjoying some friendly bingo competition.

“I was involved in finding and selecting a fall prevention program and thought Bingocize sounded simple and fun. My goal was to ensure participation and retain the participants. When I searched the program, the exercises appeared to be basic but effective and i know if an activity is enjoyable, individuals will keep doing it,” Miller said.

The United States Administration for Community Living and the Department of Agriculture have given their endorsements for Bingocize to offer licenses, online training, program materials and equipment, and merchandise to nursing homes, assisted living, senior centers, and hospital trauma centers across the US and the world.

For more information and to register for this free program please call Lisa at Public Health, 607-337-1660 or Beth at AAOA , 607-337-1770