Studies Show Mahjong is Anti-Aging
The Research on Mahjong, Longevity, and a Sharper Mind
Every year, people spend billions on supplements, gadgets, and programs meant to keep their minds sharp and their bodies going. Some help. But the most compelling research on healthy aging points to something much simpler: a table, three friends, and a weekly date.
Large studies of older adults have found striking patterns among people who regularly play mahjong. Here’s what the research suggests.
#1: Weekly mahjong players have a lower risk of death
A 2025 cohort study in BMC Geriatrics followed 29,254 adults aged 65 and older for an average of 4.6 years. Those who played mahjong or cards weekly with others had a 16% lower risk of death from any cause than those who didn’t. The association was strongest in people 80 and older, with those who kept playing into their 80s showing a 33% lower risk, suggesting it's never too late to start playing and reap the benefits.
#2: Mahjong improves executive function
A 2020 Frontiers in Neurology study of older adults with mild cognitive impairment found that 12 weeks of regular mahjong play improved executive function. Executive function is essential for planning, focus, and flexible thinking—playing mahjong exercises and conditions these skills.
#3: Regular mahjong play lowers dementia rates
In a 10-year study of 11,821 adults 65 and older who played mahjong or cards almost daily had a 37% lower adjusted risk of developing dementia than those who rarely or never played.
Monthly and weekly players also had lower rates, but the clearest benefit shown from this Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey says frequent play, with weekly standing games, beats occasional play.
Why playing in real life delivers the greatest health returns
The social connection.
Northwestern University studied “SuperAgers,” people 80 and older with the memory of someone 20-30 years younger. The one trait all the superagers showed is that they socialize frequently - spending time with others in real life.
Conversely, the U.S. Surgeon General links social isolation to a 50% higher risk of dementia and a 29% higher risk of premature death.
The cognitive challenge.
Tile recognition, memory, probability, and strategy add up to a real mental workout.
Routine. A game that happens every week gives you something to show up for. It’s a routine that requires less effort to attend because it's consistent. Less organizing, less decision making—it’s just there on your calendar, a standing part of your weekly schedule.
Standing mahjong games are social, mentally demanding, and recur at the same time and place weekly, delivering it all and compounding in value the longer you play regularly.
Find or Schedule a Game
Looking to play more often? Find a game near you at Club Mah Jongg
Or want to host regular games? Listing a game takes about two minutes, and we’ll help you fill your table. List your game → here
This post is for general information and isn’t medical advice. Talk with your doctor about your health.
Sources: Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience (2022), cards/mahjong and incident dementia; BMC Geriatrics (2025), cards/mahjong and all-cause mortality; Frontiers in Neurology (2020), 12-week mahjong RCT in mild cognitive impairment; Northwestern SuperAging research review, Alzheimer’s & Dementia (2025); U.S. Surgeon General advisory on loneliness and social connection.