and important friendships have been formed, members
say.
“Our group has created a deep friendship and bond
– realizing that we are all truly enjoying this time of our
lives together – through happy and sad times, sickness-
es and healthy recoveries, keeping up with each other’s
children (and of course the grandchildren), experiencing
joy and laughter,” said Pam Rutherford, who plays in the
group with Mitchell.
“Some people say that our games are their ‘therapy,”
Mitchell added. “I understand what they mean.”
Mitchell said that in time, her group has started traveling
together, too.
They have traveled out of state to play and celebrate
personal milestones. Some of their trips have been to Palm
Springs, California, South Carolina and various beaches.
“You really connect with people when you see them as
regularly as we see each other,” she said.
Phyllis Gaston, who also plays with a group of four peo-
ple, said that she values the friendship the game has pro-
vided.
“I think that women often need those social connections
in a way men may not,” she said of her group, which has
been together for about 10 years. “We have seen each
other through some illnesses and the loss of loved ones
– things like that. Some have had difficult issues with chil-
dren and grandchildren. Each of us has had things that
have come up – challenging things. We share those with
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each other. I think it’s a safety net for all of us.”
The idea that the game is good for maintaining mental
sharpness has been supported by scientific studies. Some
studies also have shown that the game seems to actually
improve the overall brain health of seniors, and that those
benefits are long-lasting. Other research has repeatedly
shown that social connections, including same-sex friend-
ships, are essential to the happiness of seniors.
Steep learning curve
The way Gaston describes it, learning the game is a
process that requires reading and, in many cases, a capa-
ble teacher.
“It’s not a game that you learn within a week or
even a month or six months,” Gaston said. “There are
layers to how you learn. It’s not like sitting down and
learning a simple card game like hearts or spades. You
definitely have to read a book and you really have to
apply yourself. I would say it’s almost as mental as chess.
Sometimes, after you play, you feel mentally fatigued.
That’s because you are thinking in such a complex way.”
The game appears to be growing. Several new groups
have been formed in Meridian in the last decade, and
some people also play primarily online. The National
Mahjong League, which oversees the American game,
started in 1937 with just 32 members. Today, there are
about 500,000 members.
Although there are no clear statistics on the state of the
Above: Kay Milhorn, Helen Meyer, Linda Davidson and Anne Meyer have enjoyed weekly games of Mahjong
fore more than 20 years. The group of women are credited with teaching the ancient Chinese tile game
to the other Meridian Mahjong players. Opposite page: Marilyn Greene, Bev Pringle, Phyllis Gaston, Joan
Moore and Joyce Frank during a recent game of Mahjong at Gaston’s home on a rainy afternoon.