Is Mahjong More Suitable for Elderly People After Retirement Than High-Intensity Exercise?

Is Mahjong More Suitable for Elderly People After Retirement Than High-Intensity Exercise?Liu Qianli, a retired teacher brimming with energy, maintained a high-intensity exercise routine, engaging in daily walks, strength training, and even challenging yoga poses. However, a sudden bout of dizziness sent her tumbling onto the park flowers, making her realize that her aging body needed a more scientific approach to exercise

Is Mahjong More Suitable for Elderly People After Retirement Than High-Intensity Exercise?

Liu Qianli, a retired teacher brimming with energy, maintained a high-intensity exercise routine, engaging in daily walks, strength training, and even challenging yoga poses. However, a sudden bout of dizziness sent her tumbling onto the park flowers, making her realize that her aging body needed a more scientific approach to exercise.

Dr. Dong, a seasoned physician, advised her that as we age, our physical capabilities decline, and overly strenuous exercise can lead to injuries. He recommended Liu Qianli choose more leisurely activities, such as playing Mahjong, which could exercise the brain, maintain mental agility, and prevent excessive physical strain.

This perspective may challenge conventional wisdom. We tend to think that seniors should continuously engage in high-intensity or challenging physical activities to stay healthy. However, moderate leisure activities like daily Mahjong might be better suited for the physical and mental well-being of older adults.

Mahjong: The "Wisdom Game" for Seniors

From a cognitive function standpoint, Mahjong is a veritable "wisdom game." It demands memory, strategy, calculation, and quick thinking, effectively stimulating the brain. Studies have shown that seniors who regularly participate in Mahjong and similar table games tend to outperform their non-participating peers in terms of memory, attention, and information processing speed. This positively impacts slowing down cognitive decline and even combating dementia.

The Charm of Socialization: Easing Loneliness and Maintaining Mental Wellbeing

Old age is a unique stage of life, and many seniors may face loneliness and reduced social activities. Regular Mahjong games allow participants to maintain consistent interaction with friends and family, and this social engagement is essential for sustaining mental health.

Avoiding Risk: Low-Intensity Activities for Safety

While Mahjong is a seated activity, it minimizes the risk of physical injuries that seniors might encounter during high-intensity exercise. In strenuous physical activities, osteoporosis, arthritis, and muscle weakness can worsen. Gentle activities like Mahjong can circumvent these risks while maintaining physical vitality and flexibility.

Fine Motor Skills Training: Slowing Down Joint Stiffness and Muscle Deterioration

Mahjong also holds benefits for preserving seniors' fine motor skills. The actions of grabbing and organizing tiles during Mahjong gameplay train hand dexterity and coordination, which positively impacts slowing down hand joint stiffness and muscle degradation.

Psychological Benefits: Maintaining Vitality and Rekindling Life Goals

After retirement, seniors can easily feel a lack of purpose and meaning in life, directly affecting their mental health. Regular Mahjong games allow seniors to experience a sense of accomplishment and fulfillment. These positive emotional experiences are crucial in preventing psychological aging. Furthermore, the competitive and cooperative elements of Mahjong can ignite seniors' enthusiasm and engagement, vital factors in maintaining psychological vitality.

Music and Dance: Another Choice for Promoting Physical and Mental Wellbeing

Beyond Mahjong, music and dance are also crucial ways to promote the physical and mental well-being of seniors. Music can improve seniors' cognitive function and emotional state. Seniors who regularly listen to music or participate in musical activities often experience significant improvements in their memory, attention, and executive function.

Dance, a combination of music and movement, is an excellent all-around exercise option for seniors. Regular dancing not only enhances physical coordination and balance, preventing falls and injuries, but also significantly improves cardiovascular function.

Conclusion: Healthy Aging Requires Scientific Activity Choices

Whether it's playing Mahjong, listening to music, dancing, or any other activity suitable for seniors, the guiding principles should be safety, comfort, and enjoyment. Avoid excessively seeking high-intensity or challenging exercises. Seniors should select activities based on their physical condition and interests to maintain their physical and mental well-being and enjoy a fulfilling later life.

References

[1] Yu Sujun. Study on the Impact of Exercise Frequency on the Cognitive Function of Residents Aged 60 and Above in the Community. Modern Preventive Medicine, 2024-03-10

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