🧠 Playing Mahjong or Cards Weekly Linked to Longer Life in Older Adults

Regular social & mental games may help keep our brain and body healthier as we age. 🃏🀄🤝

 

Published In: BMC Geriatrics
Date: August 2025
Authors: Dai et al.
Link to Study: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12877-025-06263-3

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Summary

This large study followed over 29,000 Chinese adults aged 65+ for an average of 4.6 years to see if playing mahjong or cards affected longevity. Those who played at least once a week had a 16–33% lower risk of dying during the study compared to non-players, with the strongest benefit in adults aged 80+. Regular players tended to have better physical and cognitive health and more social engagement, all of which may support longer, healthier lives.

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Key Takeaways

✅ Playing cards or mahjong at least weekly was linked to significantly lower risk of death in older adults.
✅ The benefit was strongest in people aged 80+.
✅ Maintaining play over time was especially protective – stopping reduced the benefit.
✅ Social connection and mental stimulation from these games may support brain health, reduce loneliness, and lower stress.
✅ Moderation matters: weekly or almost daily play seemed more beneficial than rare or excessive play.

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Why It Matters for You

Staying socially and mentally active is a powerful tool for brain health and longevity. Simple, low-cost activities like playing cards or mahjong with friends can provide cognitive stimulation, emotional support, and a sense of community—important ingredients for healthy aging.

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Citation
Dai, M., Jie, W., Shi, J., Zhao, W., Zou, J., Li, Y., & Wang, X. (2025). Association of playing cards/mahjong with all-cause mortality in older adults: a cohort study. BMC Geriatrics, 25:596. https://bmcgeriatr.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12877-025-06263-3