In an interesting study which was published in the ‘Archives of Internal Medicine journal’ it stated that playing bingo and having an active social life when you get older can help to wade of the possibility of becoming disabled. Their findings showed that staying active reduced the risk of developing a disability by a whopping 65% and death by 40%.

We have seen a few studies carried out in the past by scientists who also claimed that the game of bingo helped to keep you mind active and it could also be an aid in hand to eye coordination going. Bingo may be one of the simplest and easiest games to play, but it does require good thought concentration as you need to mark of those numbers as they are called out to be in with the chance of winning the game.

As we grow older we experience a decline in our motor functions and it is thought the Doctors of this study believe that even chatting regularly with friends can help slow this process down. The game of bingo has always remained one of the most social gaming activities in the world and land based bingo clubs provide a safe haven for our OAP’s to socialise on a regular basis. So chatting with others in intervals and playing bingo have always pretty much gone hand in hand.

Dr Aron S. Buchman, from Rush University Medical Centre in Chicago, who led the study said, “A decline in motor function is a familiar consequence of aging”. The report also stated - "These data raise the possibility that social engagement can slow motor function decline and possibly delay adverse health outcomes from such decline. Further work is needed to ensure that this is a causal relationship,"

So it is official according to this initial report in the medical journal, the game of bingo really can help keep you fit and active. Maybe someone should send this report over to the UK Government, you never know it might just lend a hand into them re-thinking the rise in bingo tax duty to 22%. As this could very soon be the consequence of lots more UK bingo club closures over the coming months.