Health Benefits Of Bingo

1

Bingo is a popular pastime worldwide and millions of people have played it at least once. It has thrived in brick-and-mortar venues and it has plenty of fans online as well, being offered by most top online bingo sites. While nobody denies the fun nature of the game, very few actually consider the health benefits of bingo. This is not exactly a surprise, given the fact that games of chance are usually associated to certain risks, but that’s what makes bingo special.

Bingo is a great game for elderly people

Young and old, bingo players enjoy this simple and entertaining game over the Internet and brick-and-mortar locations. Particularly popular among elderly people, it is enjoyed by them in local bingo parlors. This is where they get together to chat and have a friendly game, probably unaware of the inherent health benefits of bingo. Our cognitive abilities slowly, but surely diminish in time and it pays off to have a way of preserving them as well as we can. Bingo does it in a subtle manner, as it compels players to pay attention to the numbers called and mark them on the game card. This is not a big effort, but still requires attention, so it is perfect for older people who would otherwise struggle with more competitive games.

Bingo requires players to concentrate on the task at hand, hence improving their listening skills. Being alert and aware of what is happening is a prerequisite of playing the game, so participants can’t drift away and get lost in their own thoughts. Research suggests that significant improvements are made by bingo players, who score higher in memory, cognitive and speed tests. The coordination between the hand and the eye also improves, which is more important than it seems for elderly people. Bingo improves memory and thinking skills, which is highly desirable for seniors, who don’t get enough of this type of exercise.

The perfect opportunity to socialize

Unlike other forms of gambling which are perfectly suitable for playing alone, from behind a monitor, bingo is a highly social game. Players who interact with their peers, both online and in brick-and-mortar venues find the gaming experience more fulfilling. This is, in fact one of the main explanations for why the game has endured for so many years and it remains immensely popular these days. Not only elderly people, but anyone regardless of age and background will benefit from frequent social interactions.

Bingo has the merit of bringing people together and getting them engaged in a competitive, but friendly game. Unlike poker where people play against each other and are rewarded for practicing deception, bingo is more friendly in nature. The low price of tickets, the total randomness and the fact that skill and experience are not rewarded, make bingo ideal for casual players. This encourages players to talk to the person next to them, stay positive and where a smile on their faces, regardless of the game’s outcome.