Longitudinal associations between the frequency of playing Mahjong and cognitive functioning among older people in China: evidence from CLHLS, 2008-2018.

Background: Cognitive decline is prevalent among older adults, often resulting in decreased capabilities for self-care and a diminished quality of life. Mahjong, a culturally cherished and extensively played intellectual game in China, demands considerable cognitive function. While the cognitive benefits of playing Mahjong have been widely accepted, this study investigates an under explored aspect and aimed to ascertain the game's potential contributions toward bolstering self-care abilities, enhancing overall quality of life, and mitigating against rising societal healthcare costs.

Methods: The data analyzed in the study is collected from the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS) with cognitive functioning being assessed through the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). The frequency of playing Mahjong was measured through a self-reported questionnaire. Multiple linear regression models, latent variable growth models, and cross-lagged models were used to investigate the longitudinal relationship between game frequency and cognitive function in older people.

Results: Of the 7,535 participants, the mean (SD) age was 81.96 (10.53) years. There were 7,308 (97%), 4,453 (59%), and 1,974 (26%) participants in 2011, 2014, and 2018, respectively. The results showed that Mahjong players had significantly higher MMSE scores compared to non-players from 2008 to 2018 ( = 0.893;  < 0.001), and non-players had significantly lower scores in 2011, 2014, and 2018 than in 2008 ( = -1.326, -0.912, -0.833;  > 0.05). Moreover, the frequency of playing Mahjong was associated with improved various cognitive domains. The declining frequency of playing Mahjong was substantially associated with the declining rate of MMSE scores ( = 0.336;  < 0.001). Mahjong frequency showed positive effects on MMSE scores, while the influence of Mahjong on MMSE scores were not significant.

Conclusion: Playing Mahjong has a positive influence on the cognitive functioning among older people. It can help buffer against the decline in cognitive function and maintain cognitive function levels. The higher frequency of playing Mahjong is associated with improved reaction, attention and calculation, and self-coordination. A decline in the frequency of playing Mahjong was associated with a declining rate of cognitive function. The higher frequency of playing Mahjong among older people unilaterally influenced the improvement of cognitive function levels in older people in China.