Mahjong is a game that involves four players and it began in China. Mahjong involves a good deal of skill, strategy and calculation along with the thrill of chance. Players of Mahjong in Asia play the game with a gambling aspect. Since the game began and has continued to thrive in China it is very popular in the region and has moved to other countries in popularity.

It has been reported that senior citizens in the city of Chongqing in the Sichuan province are asked if they can play mahjong, sing and dance before they can be taken into senior housing. According to the report if you do not have any of these skills then you are placed at the back of the list to enter the senior housing.

Traditionally, the elderly in Chongqing have stayed with their family until they pass, but now that tradition has changed. More than 1.9 million of the elderly population is moving into the senior housing in the area. The demand for senior housing far surpasses the available beds so that is why the facilities are being picky.

A local resident went to visit several senior housing facilities to see which would be compatible for the senior in their life and they were asked if her mother can play mahjong, sing or dance. She was told this would make her mother more compatible with other residents. Apparently the love of mahjong has become a staple in the community and if you are not skilled in the game then you are not going to receive care from senior housing.


- 2008-09-24