Bingo makes you think faster than non-players and keeps you more
alert into old age, a researcher told a British Psychological
Society conference. Julie Winstone, of Southampton University,
said players were faster and more accurate than non-bingo
players on tests measuring mental speed, the ability to scan for
information, and memory. Her research found older players even
outperformed younger counterparts, suggesting keeping the brain
active keeps it sharper for longer. The finding came as no
surprise to the National Bingo Association, which said the game
was played by three million people with an average age of 49.
"The blue rinse brigade dominated it 15 years ago. But then it
was taken up by celebrities Denise Van Outen, Elle Macpherson,
Robbie Williams, Catherine Zeta-Jones, and Bianca and Jade
Jagger," said Gloria Pattinson, an association spokeswoman.
"These acted as role models for younger people, who started
going to evening sessions before moving on to clubs and pubs.
Older people still go to morning