WANDA + VIOLA REFERENCE
Mahjong Research Statistics: 2026 Reference.
A source-backed collection of published research about Mahjong, with study sizes, schedules, and dates gathered in one easy-to-cite place.
Last updated October 8, 2026
WHAT THIS COVERS
A clearer starting point for the conversation around Mahjong.
Mahjong is a deeply social game, played across households, clubs, and generations. Published research has also examined it in specific settings, particularly with older adult participants in China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. The studies below make those conversations easier to reference accurately.
This is a research reference, not medical advice. The findings come from particular groups, places, and study designs, so they should not be treated as a promise of any personal outcome.
PUBLISHED STUDIES AT A GLANCE
Nine citable Mahjong research statistics.
60
people enrolled in a 2026 digital Mahjong trial
The six-month randomized study in Taipei assigned 30 people to the Mahjong program and 30 to a comparison group. It used two 30-minute sessions each week.
Source: Tung et al., JMIR Aging, July 202656 of 60
participants completed the primary assessments in that trial
Twenty-nine of 30 participants in the Mahjong group and 27 of 30 in the comparison group completed the study assessments.
Source: Tung et al., JMIR Aging, July 202612,852
adults age 65 and older were included in a 2023 social-engagement study
Using the 2018 wave of the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey, the researchers included playing cards or Mahjong among the leisure activities they examined.
Source: Mai et al., Psychology, Health & Medicine, April 2023110
nursing-home residents took part in a 2014 Mahjong study
The cluster-randomized study compared Mahjong, Tai Chi, and simple handicrafts. Activities were held three times a week for 12 weeks.
Source: Cheng et al., International Psychogeriatrics, April 201436
residents participated in a 2012 Mahjong leisure-activity study
The study assigned residents to Mahjong, Tai Chi, or handicrafts, with three sessions a week for 12 weeks and follow-up after the activity ended.
Source: Cheng et al., American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, October 201262
older adults participated in an exploratory Mahjong study
Published in 2006, the study compared playing twice a week with playing four times a week across a 16-week program.
Source: Cheng, Chan and Yu, International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, July 200653
Mahjong studies were identified in a 2024 scoping review
The review gathered 47 observational studies and six intervention studies on Mahjong and cognitive, psychological, or functional outcomes in adults age 60 and older.
Source: Cheung et al., Journal of Prevention of Alzheimer’s Disease, June 202413
Western and Asian research databases were searched for that review
The authors searched sources including PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, CNKI, and Taiwan Citation Index through July 4, 2023.
Source: Cheung et al., Journal of Prevention of Alzheimer’s Disease, June 202429 of 44
observational studies reported how common Mahjong play was in their study populations
Across those studies, reported prevalence averaged 22.8%, with a reported range from 2.6% to 42.9%. These figures describe the reviewed study samples, not a universal participation rate.
Source: Cheung et al., Journal of Prevention of Alzheimer’s Disease, June 2024METHOD & SOURCES
How to use this reference.
Each statistic is drawn from the linked original article record or full text, with the publication date shown beside the source. This page uses the reported figures as written and does not estimate participation, outcomes, or popularity beyond the studies themselves.
For accuracy, cite the original study for a specific finding. For an overview of this collection, use the suggested citation below and link directly to the relevant statistic.
Cite this page
Wanda + Viola. “Mahjong Research Statistics: 2026 Reference.” Updated October 8, 2026. https://wandavioladesigns.com/mahjong-research
BRING PEOPLE TOGETHER
The best part of Mahjong is still the table around it.
Explore pieces made for the game nights, regular groups, and small rituals that make people want to gather again.