time in front of screens and more time seeking social connections. “Real friendships are formed,” said Ontario-based player Tammy Waxman. With mahjong clubs existing around the world, Waxman says that she learned to play in Florida before helping launch a club in her home community. While mahjong was originally created as a tactile game with four people gathered at a table, its phenomenal burst of popularity has led to numerous online adaptions that can be played either alone or in foursomes. While playing the game on a screen seems to fly in the face of the social interaction movement, the tech-driven world in which we live cannot be ignored. There are also online “learn to play” videos that explain the game and its regional variations, including Canada’s most popular versions. Along with mahjong’s burst of popularity came the recognition of its many health benefits ‒ including its brain-boosting properties. The engaging, screen-free rhythm of the game is said to create a “flow state” that interrupts anxious rumination and promotes the release of feel-good hormones such as dopamine and oxytocin. Studies have shown that the game’s mental stimulation can help prevent or delay diseases such as senile dementia and overall cognitive function ‒ including short-term memory. Moreover, the handling of mahjong tiles is said to improve both fine motor skills and hand-eye co-ordination, elements offering cognitive, physical and social benefits to those suffering from Parkinson’s disease. Research published in geriatric and neurological journals notes that older adults who regularly play mahjong exhibit better shortterm memory and hand-eye co-ordination than non-players. Research also reveals the game’s ability to reduce psychological distress and depression. In addition, it opens a door to people suffering from loneliness, isolation and those feeling disconnected from their communities. Overall, medical studies are clear: the potential health benefits associated with playing mahjong are many and varied. While the game was once primarily associated with the older generations, it is now being embraced by people of all ages. Mahjong clubs, classes and gatherings are popping up everywhere around the globe in recreation centres, libraries, bars, cafés, legion halls and various other public spaces. Moreover, only time will tell whether or not the game will maintain and grow its impressive, newfound popularity. Will it be like one of those crazes of the past that dwindled and pretty much disappeared, or will it have staying power? For instance, Monopoly was a product of the Depressionera while Rubik’s Cube was a product of the 1980s. There was also the wild fascination with the Hula Hoop and Frisbee. No matter how the present mahjong phenomenon unfolds over time, it is currently serving a global community ready for a diversion away from isolating screen time and the mind-numbing hours it involves. The game’s positive health benefits alone may be the key to a sustained future. Leisure Resources Canadian Mahjong Federation: www.cmf-mahjong.org National Mah Jongg League: www.nationalmahjonggleague.org CSANews | FALL 2026 | 33
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