Mah-jong, a 200-year-old Chinese tile game, is gaining popularity in Montreal as a way to connect people and provide numerous cognitive and social benefits, especially for seniors. Shafrit Baum, an American mah-jong instructor known as Little Miss Mahjong, has been promoting the game’s benefits such as improving hand-eye coordination, slowing down dementia, and fostering patience. Baum teaches privately and in community classes throughout the Greater Montreal area, including at the Dollard-des-Ormeaux (DDO) seniors club on the West Island, where members have embraced the game and formed strong friendships through it.
Members of the DDO seniors club have been learning and playing mah-jong since last year and due to its growing popularity, they now gather twice a week for open play. What started with 10 players has now grown to 30 players on Wednesdays and Fridays, with a demand to accommodate even more players. As a result, the club is purchasing new sets of mah-jong as they currently do not have enough for all the players. The excitement of the game, the strategic thinking involved, and the element of luck needed to win all contribute to the enjoyment of the game for its players.
For many participants, playing mah-jong provides mental stimulation, social interaction, and the opportunity to make new friends within the community. Yaffa Ritter, a member of the DDO seniors club, emphasizes the benefits of the game for her brain health and social life, noting that she has made many friends through the classes and games. The sense of camaraderie among players is strong, with a focus on friendly competition and celebrating each other’s wins. Despite the competitive nature of the game, players prioritize enjoying the company of their friends and supporting each other during gameplay.
The resurgence of mah-jong in Montreal reflects a growing interest in traditional games that promote cognitive health and social engagement. The game’s popularity at the DDO seniors club demonstrates the power of mah-jong to bring people together, regardless of age or background. With the increasing number of players participating in mah-jong sessions, there is a sense of community building and bonding among the participants. The positive impact of the game on mental well-being and social connections is evident in the testimonials of players who have found joy and fulfillment through playing mah-jong with their peers.
As mah-jong continues to make a comeback in Montreal and beyond, its allure lies in its ability to provide a fun and stimulating experience for players of all ages. The game’s blend of strategy, luck, and social interaction creates a unique and engaging environment that appeals to a wide range of individuals. Whether played casually among friends or in organized groups like the DDO seniors club, mah-jong offers a way for people to connect, challenge themselves, and enjoy the benefits of mental and social engagement. With its roots in ancient traditions and its modern resurgence in diverse communities, mah-jong serves as a timeless and inclusive pastime that brings people together to share in the joy of gameplay and the camaraderie it fosters.
