Gillian Street

Title : BEA VEAYN BINGO©: Fun-based education for prevention of dementia, depression, and diabetes (Type 2), based on evidence and community input

Abstract:

Bea Veayn Bingo^© is a game for people to enjoy in a social settings and workplaces, whilst learning of evidence-based changes they can make to prevent, delay, or even reverse symptoms of cognitive impairment, type 2 diabetes, and depression. This embraces the premise that health resources are optimised when individuals most at risk of lifestyle-related chronic disease learn and apply research-backed behaviour change. Population health is a serious concern that is informed by serious research but an element of fun may be required to engage and motivate certain population groups. When interventions incorporate learning into appealing social activities, rather than, for example, dedicated exercise or mind-training programs, the motivation for sustained attendance increases. Older people have indicated they may join a program for health reasons, but sustain their attendance for social reasons. Rates of these conditions are negatively associated with education levels however lifestyle intervention programs are known to have more sustained participation rates from people with higher education. Therefore, in the long term, methods that engage and inform people with lower education status could prove more cost effective than programs well-attended by people who are already informed and have lower risk. An extensive literature review was conducted to select 90 evidence-based behaviours that prolong the ability to function independently. Feedback from community members at a social club informed improvements to the playability of the game and effectiveness relating to knowledge and intention for behaviour change. The game, based on traditional Bingo uses pictures to allow accessibility for all education levels. The game can be played in community settings and workplaces, led by a trained health professional. Images can be amended when informed by emerging evidence. Ongoing evaluation will be conducted.
Bea Veayn, pronounced “Bare Vane”, means long life in Manx Gaelic.Bea Veayn, pronounced “Bare Vane”, means long life in Manx Gaelic.

Biography:

After completing an Australian double degree in health promotion and nutrition, Gillian conducted research for Mentally Healthy WA. Later she worked with vulnerable population groups in the City of Cockburn, leading health promotion teams for the Local Government and Cockburn Integrated Health (total 12 years). This included the Federally Funded Healthy Communities Initiative and the HOP, both targeting vulnerable populations. From 2018-2020, she coordinated an end-of-life care needs assessment for the Scholl Academic Centre (Hospice Isle of Man). She completed a Graduate Diploma in Psychology in October 2022 and set up Bea Veayn, specializing in diabetes and dementia prevention.