Science Says Playing Mah Jongg Could Supercharge Your Mental Health
January 20, 2020
On any given day you may find a group of Brightmore residents gathered around Mah Jongg tiles, it’s one of our most popular games! But what exactly is this game and what hidden benefits might it contain?
Mah Jongg was born in China in the 19th century, but it wasn’t until the 1920s that the game of intense strategy and skill made its way to the United States. Unlike other beloved board games, new research published in the journal Social Science & Medicine suggests that Mah Jongg might provide players with more than just a fun reason to gather with friends. According to research conducted by a team at the University of Georgia, Mah Jongg players who regularly broke out their tile sets enjoyed reduced depression rates. The game of skill is a challenging hobby that can help keep your brain sharp, but the social aspect of Mah Jongg may also impact holistic mental health overall.
(Originally published in Southern Living Magazine, adapted for Brightmore Monthly)