Bingo has been a favorite activity among seniors for decades, and scientists have recently discovered several benefits this game has to offer. Here are a few reasons families should encourage their senior loved ones to play bingo.
1. Enhances Coordination & Reflexes
The aging process can negatively impact a senior’s coordination and reflexes. However, playing bingo and other games requires a certain degree of hand-eye coordination. Once a number is called, players must locate it on their cards and mark the spot. The speed required for this task encourages coordination among the eyes, the brain, and the hands. The increase in hand-eye coordination can help seniors delay the onset of mobility issues and several other age-related challenges.
Seniors can face a variety of challenges as they age, many of which can be mitigated with the help of professional in-home caregivers who provide high-quality elderly home care. Trust Home Care Assistance to help your elderly loved one age in place safely and comfortably.
2. Stimulates Cognitive Function
Listening to the numbers called, locating the number, and marking the appropriate square on the bingo card can stimulate brain function. According to research conducted at the University of Southampton, seniors who played bingo performed better on a variety of cognitive tests that evaluated comprehension, memory, and mental speed.
3. Encourages Physical Health
While playing bingo, seniors can socialize and share a few laughs with other players. Laughter relaxes the muscles, which alleviates tension, relieves stress, and boosts the immune system. When seniors are playing bingo and conversing with others, their brains become distracted and don’t recognize pain symptoms.
4. Provides Opportunities for Socialization
Having active social lives helps seniors prevent isolation and depression, maintain optimal health, and increase longevity. Gathering with other older adults and playing bingo encourages seniors to socialize. In addition to attending regular bingo meetings, seniors might also gather with friends outside the gaming facility.
For families living in Richmond, respite care can be a wonderful solution when their aging loved ones need companionship and socialization a few hours a week or just need minor assistance with daily household tasks. At Home Care Assistance, we thrive on helping seniors maintain their independence while living in the comfort of home.
5. Hastens Recuperation
Seniors are susceptible to illnesses and injuries, and playing bingo and socializing can reduce the time required for healing. If unable to attend bingo games in the community, seniors can even play the game with their friends and family members at home.
6. Passes Time
Seniors who live far away from loved ones and lead relatively sedentary lifestyles may find their lives monotonous. Getting out of the house, playing bingo, and socializing can help them prevent boredom.
Attending bingo games and other social events can be challenging for some seniors. If your elderly loved one is living with a serious medical condition and needs help managing the tasks of daily living, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a Richmond home care agency you can trust. Our caregivers are available 24/7, there are no hidden fees in our contracts, and we offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee on all of our in-home care services. Contact one of our experienced Care Managers today at (804) 207-4746 to learn more about our reliable in-home care services.