Does Playing Bingo Help Elderly People?

Bingo is an entertaining game of chance that people of all ages and backgrounds enjoy, but among older people, it’s a classic pastime. Perhaps someone you love enjoys bingo, and it’s no wonder since it likely has a range of mental and emotional benefits.

Not only is this game easy to understand and follow along, but it’s also exciting and filled with anticipation. But how exactly does playing bingo help elderly people? Below you’ll learn about the ways this game can positively impact people as they age.

Bingo and Ageing

Bingo is a game of chance, so it comes as no surprise that it has long been played for money prizes. It’s typically still played this way, but you can also simply enjoy it as a game. Some places will hand out fun things like chocolates or teddy bears to the winners rather than give out jackpots.

People have been playing bingo for decades, so it’s no wonder that older generations love this simple activity. It’s a unifying experience among fans of all kinds, and there are plenty of variations to choose from.

However it’s played, it’s a great way to bring people together for fun and some chitchat. As people age, these activities become more important than ever to help maintain a good quality of life.

Practising Alertness

The ability to focus and pay attention has to be exercised just like any other discipline. Practice becomes critical as we age since the ability to process and store new information gets affected. Regularly trying out stimulating activities can significantly slow down some of the effects associated with ageing.

Bingo is an excellent option for practising alertness since the players can enjoy it at a leisurely pace. Although they will still have to listen closely and follow along, the game is straightforward and accessible. As long as you can see or hear what letter and number are getting called, you’ll be able to play the game.

Engaging the Memory

Memory is another brain function that can age can influence. If we don’t practice testing our memory regularly, it will be more difficult to continue making connections.

Bingo doesn’t require abundant memory skills to help exercise the mind. As you examine your card, you familiarise yourself with what numbers are where so that you can be the fastest to call bingo.

Easy and Relaxing

Of course, for a game to benefit older people, it must be accessible enough to avoid frustration. Playing a straightforward game like bingo is a great way to relieve stress and take the pressure off the players.

Relaxing is also an essential part of keeping the body healthy. As we get older, we are more prone to injury and illness. Getting proper rest is one of the best ways to encourage the body to recover and stay healthy in the long term. After all, the immune function becomes more critical in the later years of life.

Socialisation

Getting older can also make staying in touch with others difficult, but keeping in contact with friends and family can elevate the mood and improve emotional health. Loneliness is something we don’t consider as we get older, but unfortunately, it’s a prevalent problem.

If you’ve ever asked the question, “does playing Bingo help elderly people?” the answer is a resounding, “Yes!” It’s not tough to find others that enjoy this game, including people of all ages. Families can enjoy this game and spend time with their loved ones that may otherwise not get enough social interaction. Even kids shouldn’t have much trouble with this game so long as it stays entertaining!

It’s also an ideal opportunity to remind ourselves that we’re never too old to make new friends. Bingo is perfect for meeting people, which can be challenging as we age, especially if there aren’t organisations like Age UK nearby.

Having Fun

On top of all these benefits, playing games is fun, and having fun does incredible things to the brain. When we laugh, for example, we get a boost of endorphins. That’s the feel-good hormone that makes you feel content and happy.

This elevated mood can also trigger short-term changes like increased oxygen intake. Taking deep breaths while talking and laughing is a fun-filled way to get a welcome boost of oxygen. That, in turn, can improve organ and brain function.

 

Where Can You Play Bingo?

You can play bingo nearly anywhere so long as the players have adequate room. Bingo halls are popular, but events are also often organised at recreational facilities, nursing homes, and churches. It shouldn’t be difficult to find an event near you.

Of course, getting out and about can be difficult for the elderly, so online bingo could be the perfect solution. Players can still reap the benefits of cognitive stimulation and excitement of playing with the added variation of games and choices that online sites provide.

 

Hosting a Bingo Event

You may be interested in hosting bingo in your community to get to know people, laugh, and have fun. Here are some tips for hosting your own event, whether online or in person:

• If you prefer to host an event in person, choose a destination large enough to host the players you wish to invite.
• Decide ahead of time if you want to hand out prizes. If you intend for a money jackpot, make sure it’s compliant with the Gambling Act 2005.
• Consider including refreshments for the players.
• If you are celebrating a special event or season, consider a theme to help everyone get in the spirit.
• If you can’t host an event in person, consider seeing what’s available online.

So, Does Playing Bingo Help Elderly People?

Does playing bingo help elderly people? There are undeniable benefits to playing games like bingo as we age. It is a great way to interact with others and beat the everyday stresses of life. If you have an ageing loved one that could use a new hobby, it’s definitely worth inviting them to. You might be surprised at how much it brightens their day.

Last updated: Jan 24, 2023