Bringing mahjong back

In the 1970s, he moved to Ashland, Oregon, a small town of about 25,000 people at the time. Kistler was walking the streets of downtown when he found a yard sale with a beautiful bamboo board. Unknowingly, he later realized he hit a jackpot. This board was a rare mahjong set made of smooth original bone and bamboo, crafted in the 1920s.

Kistler’s curiosity from reading instructions on the pamphlet and teaching a few friends became a lifelong journey of mastery, teaching and building community. Kistler began teaching mahjong at the San Mateo Senior Center in 2017. It was around this time that he began wondering “what happens when we age?”

In “Mahjong Secrets for Beginner to Expert,” Kistler describes mahjong as “... an endlessly enchanting game played with beautiful tiles that make up sets and runs, similar to the modern-day card game of “Rummy.”

It is what many consider a probability game, luck mixed with strategy. It originated in China during the 19th century and came to the western world in the 1920s where it gained popularity in San Francisco. In the 1930s, interest plummeted, but now there is another resurgence in 2025.

Gen Z is playing at clubs with DJs blaring loud music, and seniors are playing at centers, with a big demand for Kistler’s course. Various mahjong forms take place around the world, but Kistler considers California mahjong to be the easiest one to learn.

I recently had the opportunity to observe him in action. I sat in the middle of the room surrounded by eight tables with 4 players seated at each one. A majority of the players were elderly women and men, who were ready to “mahjong!” their opponents. Learning was the primary goal, but who doesn’t like a little competition? Kistler opened the lesson by going over some rules and initiated everyone to begin their approximately 40-minute session. Like anything, everyone learned at a different pace. I saw certain tables struggling more than others, but the arms raised with two fists after playing a good move indicated positive signs.

 Kistler had three teaching assistants. One is Ray Gier, a longtime friend of Kistler who was reintroduced to the game in recent years. At a table sitting across from me, a group of women expressed their challenge with the game. Gier assured them and said they were doing really well but second guessing themselves too much.

Despite people losing or winning during those 40 minutes, mahjong isn’t just a game. It is a cognitively and socially satisfying experience for people of all ages, but particularly helpful for the elderly community.

There are several levels to cognitive impairment beginning from healthy aging to mild cognitive impairment, and dementia being the most severe. MCI does not have a diagnosable medical treatment, but professionals advise that keeping your mind active can help.

Now imagine the cognitive benefits along with the company of family and friends during a mahjong session. The harsh reality is 60 year olds and older spend seven of their waking hours by themselves. For many, social isolation is not a choice and it has severe effects on their overall health. Research has found that loneliness contributes to higher risks of high blood pressure, heart disease, depression and a weakened immune system (to name a few). Healthy aging has been a large mission in San Mateo County, but after visiting the senior center, I was amazed at the staff who care for the community and make them feel at home.

It reminded me that everyone has a role in caring for our older generations, especially because American culture often revolves around fending for ourselves.

In the future, Kistler said, “if the young people can see them as real human beings who have long histories, who have interests, who have really deep experiences, and if older people then are willing to share some of that with the young people… That’s a win, win.”

Mahjong is a seamless way to bring people together with a monetary investment at the start and an investment in connection for years to come. Although you may not find a fancy set like Kistler’s, you’ll learn a cognitively satisfying game and connect with generations who are eager to connect and will provide lasting life lessons along the way.

Thank you to the San Mateo Senior Center for fostering community and having a kind staff, especially Adeline who graciously walked me through the programming.

Giselle Espinoza is a longtime San Mateo resident with a bachelor’s degree in communications, working in health care administration. She brings a Gen Z perspective and slight coffee addiction.