Mahjong is traditionally known as a relaxing game and leisure activity but turns out, mahjong can be more than that.
Originating in China, this tile-based game demands memory, strategy, and concentration, which researchers now suggest can improve cognitive abilities and emotional well-being.
A group of researchers at the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Polytechnic University, Hong Kong gathered 53 studies that proved playing mahjong was associated with better cognitive, psychological, and functional abilities in older adults. In fact, 22.8 per cent of older adults in the studied populations regularly played mahjong.
Paul Kevin, a psychologist from Udayana University, said mahjong could enhance cognitive abilities, such as memory and problem-solving, making it beneficial for brain exercise and training.
“Memory is key to success in Mahjong, players need to recall which tiles that are discarded and keep track of which tiles are likely still in play, the continuous recall exercises short-term and working memory, helping players remember and adapt to the game,” he said.
Mr Kevin added that Mahjong not only improves cognitive function but also helps to boost emotional intelligence (EQ) by helping players manage their emotions during both wins and losses. This benefit contributes to maintaining cognitive wellness in everyday life.
In Perth, the mahjong community is steadily growing. Mahjong WA is one of the active and biggest mahjong groups organised by Lin Ang and some other mahjong enthusiasts,
Ms Ang is a mahjong enthusiast who is willing to teach and introduce mahjong around Perth. She is also a part-time working nurse who loves mahjong more than anything. She has been playing this game for more than 30 years.
“Mahjong is an addictive game, you know? You want to keep play play play like that,” Ms Ang said.
She always makes time to play and teach this game to the students at South Perth Learning Centre, her engaging and enthusiastic character helping make mahjong the most popular course in the learning centre.
Ms Ang added that mahjong trains the brain in strategy planning, recent memory, and cognitive skill since players need to remember what tiles others discard.
“Nowadays you know? So ‘kacau’ (messed up), I see a lot of people in their 30s got dementia already, so I think it’s important also for young people to play mahjong, it can help the brain to keep active and prevent dementia.”
Lin Ang
Research from the International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry shows mahjong’s potential as a cognitive therapy for individuals with dementia. The research involved 62 elderly participants with dementia that played mahjong regularly for 16 weeks. The result showed cognitive improvements in memory, attention, and focus.
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