Not many people make it to their telegram from the Queen, but Gladys Mott of Furnace Green celebrated her 103rd birthday last week, and more than just struggling past the finish line, she is a very active lady. Among other activities, she plays bingo twice a week, without fail.
She is a very independent lady who has lived through two world wars, and seems to lead a more active life than many people half her age, and I’m wondering if playing bingo regularly has something to do with her longevity.
Glady’s recipe for good health is no smoking or drinking, and she’s up with the lark everyday with a positive attitude, always looking forward to what the day may bring (more here). For some people, health can be enhanced with Tai Chi, or Quigong. Literally millions of Chinese do the softer martial arts in in the park most mornings to set them up for the day, and the practice is reputed to contribute towards longevity. Others swear other remedies, such as Umeboshi plums, which are in fact more like apricots than plumbs and taste like soured olives. The plumbs restore the body’s acid/alkaline balance, which is why some westerners drink cider vinegar for the same effect (both the plumbs and vinegar are very good for hangovers apparently!).
However, whilst you are unlikely to be prescribed twice weekly bingo by your doctor, now that the smoking ban is here, it may actually be a healthy pastime. Firstly, you have to get to the bingo hall, which entails a bit of exercise, far too many people spend their nights in watching television, barely getting up off the sofa, engaging their muscles in a state of atrophy.
Then, once you’ve got to the club, you will be socialising, which is an element which rarely gets factored in to the health equation. Isolation is unhealthy if you look at health holistically, getting out and about and meeting people forces you to move and interact, which keeps both the body and the mind active. When it comes to keeping the mind active playing bingo is up there with those brain training devices. Nothing keeps you on your toes like card marking, it’s like a regular workout for the cerebellum. And, there is an element of excitement when you’ve got only one number left to mark off that gets the blood flowing and fine tunes the ears.
Whilst we wouldn’t suggest dropping the run, swim or visit to the gym in exchange for a couple of nights at the bingo hall, playing the great game may have some benefits. Bingo may contribute to your circulation, socialisation, powers of observation, and overall well-being. So, if you’re looking to add an activity to your health regime, you could a lot worse than a game of bingo. Check out our Club Finder for a hall near you, it’s healthy, and the best part (apart from the winning the jackpot) is that it is also great fun. Play on and get healthy folks!
