Bingo Officially Helps Keep you Fit
Its official – according to one study anyway – and that is, that participating in the playing of bingo and other social activities can stave off a number of disabilities and conditions attached to old age – even goes so far as postponing death.
Researchers have just finalized the study which found that the playing of bingo, attending church regularly, and joining in a variety of social organizations in your elder years, can significantly reduce your chances and/or the downsides of disabilities and onset of disability by almost two-thirds.
Dr Aron Buchman, of Rush University Medical Centre in Chicago, commented that social interaction can slow the decline of motor function and delay a variety of negative adverse health outcomes. The studies findings have highlighted the importance of staying active and involved as this significantly reduces the risk and subsequent development of various types of disabilities.
Bingo is seen as one of the best ways for elderly people and others to socially interact, to remain occupied and keep their minds and bodies nimble. Which is another reason why governments should take a long term view of the people power of bingo in communities rather than see it as just another tax well, that they, the governments can dip into.
While it is quite true that several organizations, including Gala Bingo, are currently reassessing their land based operations, due to large downturns in revenues, the truth of the matter is that online bingo continues to expand with Gala Bingo performing exceptionally well. Yet it should be borne in mind that the online bingo industry is extremely competitive – some would say the online supply may even be outstripping demand.
Speculation as to possible job loss does not serve anyone at all, apart from panicking people that may not need the stress and worry of something that may never happen – ie. job loss. Yes, both the smoking ban and recent global economic downturn have presented some big challenges but bingo and bingo operators have adapted before and will no doubt do so again in some form or another.
Possibly, the formation of an Online Bingo Association, as per recent discussions between bingo bosses, may assist in some way. Some members of the Bingo Association of Great Britain have actually suggested that there is a definite place for a separate online bingo association, particularly as UK bingo is so very popular across the board.
There is no doubt that online bingo operators would benefit from having an active, and common, voice in the world of bingo, which could very well lead the self-regulation of the online bingo industry. But just as importantly, possibly more so, an online bingo association would fill the role of contact point for governments to discuss and raise concerns, an association would be a rallying point.
If any proof is needed to underline the popularity of such a move one need only look at the bingo summit over the last few years where a number of operators have expressed a strong desire to come together and form an association – a type of regulatory and lobby group if you like.
