52 | HealthLinksSC.com Exercise and fun are not words you typically discover in the same sentence. Would you find more motivation to get active if you could count on some laughs and fellowship and a chance to win prizes? Bingocize just might be the answer. It combines the familiar game of bingo with a dose of physical activity and tons of enjoyment and camaraderie. “The strength of Bingocize is the fit of the program into what older adults already do,” said Dr. Joni Boyd, professor of exercise science at Winthrop University in Rock Hill. “For the most part, this group loves bingo and will participate every time it is offered.” Boyd had a hand in helping Bingocize really take off in South Carolina. She is one of the faculty partners from Winthrop, along with those from Coastal Carolina University and Anderson University, overseeing a $1.3 million federal grant to reach 3,000 skilled nursing home residents and train 300 nursing home staff members to use Bingocize. “To date, we have impacted over 1,100 residents and certified just over 120 staff members,” she noted. Bingocize is played just like a regular bingo game, except in between letter calling or games, participants are encouraged to engage in a gentle seated or standing exercise such as leg extensions, heel raises, ankle flexing or walking in place. Important health information on preventing falls and nutrition is also shared. Physical Rehabilitation and Wellness Center of Spartanburg is just one site where Bingocize is offered to residents. Christian BINGOCIZE ENERGIZES GROWING CROWD By Lisa Wack
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