The Surprising Benefits of Bingo
Bingo is well known as a go-to activity for seniors, but it turns out that it can provide far more than entertainment. If you or a loved one enjoy playing this popular game, you may be surprised to learn that it has some important health benefits!
Health Benefits of Bingo
Mental Stimulation
It’s no secret that keeping the brain active is a key in lowering the risk of cognitive decline. Believe it or not, an invigorating round of Bingo is a great way to stretch those mental muscles.
Bingo is a pretty fast paced game. It requires players to remember the numbers as they are called and locate them quickly on their card. For players who choose to play more than one card at a time it can be especially challenging.
Bingo is great for reinforcing skills such as concentration and short term memory, which tend to decline with age. Many seniors have issues with reflexes and coordination, but hand-eye coordination skills can benefit from the demands of a game of Bingo since it requires players to quickly place chips on the corresponding squares of their cards.
Bingo can even be adapted for seniors with dementia or Alzheimer’s Disease. It can help to improve cognition and can help stimulate memory and thought processes for patients in varying stages of memory loss. Some common adaptations include playing with smaller groups, using cards with larger print or higher contrast, and asking players to identify colors, animals, or other familiar objects rather than just letters and numbers.
Better Emotional and Physical Health
In addition to mental stimulation, playing Bingo also has some pretty impressive emotional and physical benefits! A game of Bingo is typically a fun-filled event where players have the opportunity to laugh and enjoy each-other’s company.
Laughter triggers the release of endorphins, the body’s “feel-good” chemicals. This creates an over-all sense of well-being and can even have some pain-relieving effects. Laughter also relieves stress, and can even boost the immune system!
Bingo can also help seniors to form and maintain important social connections. Seniors who remain socially active typically enjoy better health and happier lives. They have lower risk of loneliness or depression, lower blood pressure, and stronger immune systems.
Getting to know other regular Bingo players contributes to a sense of community and belonging. It may even lead to forming friendships that extend beyond the game.
Visit the Davis Community’s Assisted Living and SNF in Wilmington NC
If you or loved one are no longer capable of living a safe, independent lifestyle, then call the Davis Community today at 910.686.7195 or simply complete and submit our online information request form. We provide exceptional assisted living and skilled nursing services in Wilmington NC with a strong and supportive environment where your loved one will feel welcomed and part of an active community. Get to know the difference today — schedule a visit to the Davis Community!