Last week I ran an article warning that Mah Jongg was bad for your health. The next day I was able to post an article refuting that theory. And now, just a few more reasons why you need to play Mah Jongg more often!
But first, enjoy this video by Rebecca Davis of a group of women who know the benefits of our beloved game and are playing in a Mah Jongg Marathon.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IblXL7m-km0
What Are the Benefits of Mahjong?
By Laura Agadoni, eHow Contributor
Mahjong requires concentration.
Mahjong, an ancient game from China that you play using tiles, gained popularity in the United States in the 1920s. This game of intelligence requires concentration. Mahjong is a difficult game to learn and master, but once you do, your ability to excel in the game is limitless, according to the University of Maryland.
Benefits of Mahjong (from the SG Auto Mahjong website)
Played for centuries, Mahjong has plenty to offer to its ardent followers. A symbol of friendship in the Chinese culture, the game is known to have forged strong bonds among fellow beings. A game of intelligence, strategy and skill, Mahjong requires high levels of concentration and brain power thus making it a powerful tool in maintaining brain health. Mahjongkeeps the mind sharp by work out through games.Many medical practitioners stand by Mahjong for continued vitality, alertness and mental strength. Excellent means of reversing the effects of low and medium grade dementia, Mahjong is today an intrinsic part of mental health institutions for curing degenerative brain disorders as a wonderful cognitive therapy option.
Dementia Treatment
Mahjong is a cognitive game. Researchers in Hong Kong say that mahjong is a viable treatment for dementia, according to the Tech Archive website. Mahjong requires players to use attention, memory, planning and calculation skills. Researchers from the City University of Hong Kong studied mahjong’s effects on 62 people who already had mild or moderate dementia. Results of the study showed that when people play mahjong, they gain in all cognitive measures. The effects lasted even after not playing for a month.
Cognitive Improvement
Even for senior citizens who do not suffer from dementia, mahjong can improve cognitive development. Mahjong helps with memory skills and helps to keep your mind sharp, similar to the way crossword puzzles do for people. Keeping your mind sharp by exercising it through games helps people react to situations and make decisions faster. This can translate to daily living skills, such as finding an item on a crowded pantry shelf or selecting the right medication bottle, according to Sharpbrains.com.
Social Outlet
Mahjong provides a social outlet for senior citizens. Socialization is important for people as they age, according to the Foundation for Senior Living. If senior citizens become isolated, they may become depressed. Mahjong is one activity that can give senior citizens a social outlet with people their own age. Seniors can meet in a friend or relative’s home to play, or they can play in a senior center or even a nursing home.
Multi-Age Enjoyment
Mahjong is suitable for all ages. In fact, children can learn and play mahjong online. Mahjong is an educational game for children. The online version of mahjong makes it possible to play this game as a solitaire game instead of a group game. When children play mahjong online, they are having fun, without realizing that they are developing cognitive skills.
So, don’t just sit there – get a Mah Jongg game going right now!
Mah Jongg and Me 