Bingo news
As Gaming Magazine reported, the online bingo phenomenon has expanded significantly since the year 2000, from about 10 online bingo sites to more than 100 sites in 2006.
In an effort to analyze the cause for this surge in popularity, specifically among the older population, Best-online-bingo.com recently conducted an online survey of over 1,000 adults examining the factors which motivate older adults to play bingo. The study, which ended on February 1st found that many adults are becoming increasingly aware of the beneficial effects of playing bingo, aside from sheer enjoyment.
In the preface of the Second Edition of The Graying of America: An Encyclopedia of Aging, Health, Mind and Behavior, published in 2001, Donald H. Kausler and Barry C. Kausler stated that “playing bingo, long considered to be simply a recreational pastime for senior citizens, may actually train elderly players to improve their attentional skills”.
In addition, Julie Winstone from the Centre for Visual Cognition at Southampton University's Psychology Department conducted a study of bingo in 2002 which revealed that the game of bingo can advance the speed and precision of short-term memory and actually aids in countering some aging effects. Examinations proved that those who play bingo regularly show higher concentration abilities and a higher level of short-term memory than individuals that complete crosswords or play backgammon, chess and bridge.
Furthermore, during the fall of 2003, Janina C. Bognar, M.S., the Program Manager of Memory Lane at Circle Center Adult Day Services in Richmond, Virginia researched how the Montessori-based activities, which include a game called Memory Bingo, function in Dementia, a psychiatric condition characterized by the decline of intellectual faculties, such as concentration and memory. Memory Bingo uses the same concept as bingo, only words are called instead of numbers. Each Bingo card has words on it that complete familiar sayings. Memory Bingo provides long term stimulation of memory, allows for reminiscence, and utilizes reading skills. According to Bognar, Montessori-based activity programs improve memory as well as recognition. In addition, they provide the participants with a feeling of success and accomplishment, therefore, increasing their self-esteem.
In continuation of these studies, Best-online-bingo.com's survey revealed that currently 1 in 4 online bingo players are above the age of 50.
According to the results of Best-online-bingo.com's study, the following are the 3 main reasons elderly bingo players specified when asked what motivates them to play bingo:
- Maintains memory skills
- Improves concentration
- Provides social interaction
In sum, Best-online-bingo.com was pleased to find that the older population is gaining awareness of the healthy advantages that bingo has to offer.