Playing bingo keeps my mind sharp, says centenarian

22/07/2008 16:33:22

An elderly lady from the US has claimed that bingo has contributed to her longevity, reports the Star-Telegram.

Rachel McKibben, who is currently 101 years old and is soon to celebrate another birthday in September, has said that the numbers game has helped keep her mind sharp in her old age.

This follows research from the School of Psychiatry at the University of New South Wales published earlier this month, which suggested that bingo is good for the brain.

Clinical neuroscientist Dr Michael Valenzuela, who authored the study, indicated that an ageing brain can be boosted by keeping the mind active. His team highlighted activities such as bingo playing and doing crosswords as ways to stave of brain deterioration.

As for Ms McKibben - she also likes to play cards, collect coins and exercise regularly to help keep her body and mind in check.