Bingo is Good for your Health!

As many people will tell you staying young both in your looks, but more importantly within your mind is really important. Many of the older generation play number games to keep their minds active (and come to think of it many of the NOT so older generation do exactly the same!)

This heart-warming story is of Ethel, who is 94 years young, loves her sherry, and adores her weekly bingo trips to her local bingo hall. Even though her last win was over a year ago, and was only £30 (it costs her £27 in taxi fares to and from her local hall) Ethel still keeps on returning, the reason? Bingo of course!!

Ethel actually credits her youthful energy to her weekly trips and when you consider all the things that encompass such a trip you can begin to understand why. Ethel loves the sense of community she feels, whether chatting online or ‘in real life;’ being connected to others is so very stress busting.   Of course there is also the act of ‘dabbing’ your cards which keeps your brain active, (as does keeping up with the caller!) When all is said and done, for those who may not have close family nearby, enjoying a game of bingo is both enjoyable in the social sense, and also healthy.

Ethel says ‘it keeps your brain active and even at my age I still play six books. I once won £2,000 about 15 years ago, but it has been a long time since I won anything. My last win was about £30 a year ago.’

Many people play bingo either online or in real life halls for their own reasons, but we cannot really find many more that would top Ethel s own, personal reasons for continuing to play her favourite game.

*As a matter of interest the Guardian newspaper reported that Doctors found that socialising could halve the chances of becoming frail, and that bingo, betting and nights away could be the key to a more independent old-age as spending time with others and being sociable can be just as good for future physical health as mental well-being.

The simple fact is that bingo is one of the most beneficial activities so the study reveals, as it involves being with others and also needs you to keep alert whilst you are monitoring the numbers being called out.

The study also suggested that out of almost 1,000 adults, the more sociable individuals required less help looking after themselves as they entered their 80’s.

It all really is brain food for thought and lead researcher Bryan James is reported as saying ‘Social activity has long been recognized as an essential component of healthy ageing, but now we have strong evidence that is also related to better everyday functioning and less disability in old age.’

‘The findings are exciting because social activity is potentially a risk factor that can be modified to help older adult avoid the burdens of disability.’

 

Well we know one person that would cheer those comments on, and long may she continue!