Bingo Games Have Health Benefits, Says Study

Researchers reveal that bingo can help older players to keep disabilities at bay.

A new report has indicated that playing bingo could help people to stave off disability in old age.

Published in the Archives of Internal Medicine journal, the study suggests that keeping busy through social activities such as bingo, attending church and joining organised groups can slow the decline in motor function among older people.

The study was conducted by researchers at the Rush University Medical Centre in Chicago and also indicated that such activities can help elderly people to enjoy a longer life.

Using data from 906 older adults over an 11-year period, it found that staying active reduced the risk of developing a disability by 65 per cent and of death by 40 per cent.

"A lower frequency of participation in social activity was associated with a more rapid rate of motor function decline," said lead researcher Aron S Buchman.

"These data raise the possibility that social engagement can slow motor function decline and possibly delay adverse health outcomes from such decline."

Earlier this year, the government's school behavioural expert Sir Alan Steer said that playing games such as bingo could help unruly children to engage with their lessons.