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Posted on Sep 25, 2002, 1 p.m.
By Bill Freeman
Scientists are testing the theory that playing bingo can help to keep the brain in peak condition. Julie Winstone, a psychology researcher from the University of Southampton, in the UK, is currently investigating whether or not the numbers game has long-term psychological benefits. Previous studies have examined bridge and chess, however both games use "stored" skills and moves that can be learned over time - bingo on the other hand requires rapid hand-eye coordination, visual skills, and memory.
Scientists are testing the theory that playing bingo can help to keep the brain in peak condition. Julie Winstone, a psychology researcher from the University of Southampton, in the UK, is currently investigating whether or not the numbers game has long-term psychological benefits. Previous studies have examined bridge and chess, however both games use "stored" skills and moves that can be learned over time - bingo on the other hand requires rapid hand-eye coordination, visual skills, and memory. Ms Winstone speculates, "Just as keeping physically active helps ward off the signs of physiologically aging, it may be that keeping mentally active helps to maintain mental alertness."
SOURCE/REFERENCE: Reported by www.bbc.co.uk on the 26th February 2001
