Mahjong Fever: Seniors stay sharp and socialize through mental game

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The game of Mahjong is an ancient Chinese invention. It remains a great way for senior citizens to socialize and stay active. It helps people stay sharp, as these seniors in Guangzhou can attest to. CGTN's He Weiwei gives us their story.

Two pm, at a community in Guangzhou, a group of elderly people gather around the table on time, just as they've been doing for the past 20 years. It's time for Mahjong. Zheng Benheng used to be a chemistry teacher at South China Normal University. He learns to play the game soon after retirement. Three hours a day, seven days a week. Playing mahjong is a regular part of his daily schedule.

ZHENG BENHENG MAHJONG ENTHUSIAST "Mahjong is a very good activity for senior-aged people like me. It'll keep my hands moving and my mind thinking, to prevent me from getting Alzheimer's disease. "

Zheng and his fellows are all members of a Mahjong association founded by the university.

HE WEIWEI GUANGZHOU "These Mahjong lovers are playing the game here not just for fun, but kind of practice. They've been participating in Mahjong competitions held in the city and and the province, and have won several awards."

In China, Mahjong sometimes can be related to gambling, which is illegal. But these seniors want to change the stereotype.

XU YAOYUN MAHJONG ENTHUSIAST "Some use Mahjong for gambling, but that's not what we do. Actually, we are playing it as a sport and we follow strictly to competition rules issued by the national sports authorities. I've been to Australia, where Mahjong games are held regularly in communities. I hope our country can learn from that too, and to standardize the game."

In China, Mahjong is generally more popular in southern areas than in the north. But wherever it's played, it's helping people stay sharp, while maintaining a healthy social life, as well. He Weiwei, CGTN, GUANGZHOU.