Mahjong is a game based on an ancient Chinese card game. It is a form of solitaire that is played using one hundred and fifty two tiles that are decorated with Chinese symbols such as: flowers, jokers, winds, cracks and dots. Four or more players can enjoy the game when played live and it is very addictive. Senior citizens at the Adult Wellness Center in Rogers, Arkansas have learned how much fun the game can be.

Sharon Higdon is the instructor of a Mahjong class at the Wellness center and has been offering the game for seniors since she moved to the area three years ago. Since she began teaching the game, it has become very popular in the county and fifty seniors play each other ever second Tuesday of the month in Bella Vista.

“Mahjong is a wonderful, fun game. It keeps the gray matter between the ears busy. While it is important for seniors to keep their bodies active, it is also important for us to keep our brains busy,” stated Higdon. She also stated that in her old home in Florida, mahjong was played 24/7, with tournament cruises available. Higdon would like to have a mahjong league in her new home.

The mahjong classes are offer every Monday with play sessions every Thursday. Lessons are only five dollars so seniors can learn and enjoy the game for a very low price. Don Farmer, the fitness coordinator for the center stated: “Everyone who comes to the Wellness Center to play seems to really enjoy it. We offered classes last year, and we decided to offer them again because of the popularity of the game.”


- 2008-09-08