Skill, Strategy and Chance Define The Atrium's Newly Formed Mah-Jong Club

Benefits Include Peer Socialization and Use of Cognitive Skills

Residents at The Atrium at The Allendale Community for Mature Living are engaging in a game of skill, strategy, calculation and, to some degree, chance each week when the newly formed Mah-Jong Club meets. The tile game, which dates back to the Chinese philosopher Confucius, is played using 152 tiles based on Chinese characters and symbols and has been likened to Western-style card games like rummy. A group of Atrium residents formed the club based on a common interest and have welcomed many new members including (left to right) Rita Melis, Marilyn Reilley and Virginia Carrick since its inception. Joining the residents is Beth Stenftennegal, an activities staff member at The Atrium. Mah-Jong is one of several clubs and programs that promote peer socialization and cognitive skills at The Atrium, which offers apartment-rental residential senior living as well as an adult day program, The Senior Social Club, and Short-Term Stay Program.