Billiards Clubs Provide More than a Pastime for Our Residents
Billiards is a favorite pastime for people of all ages. The game is played casually and socially, and can be enjoyed by people who are just learning and those who have played for their whole lives.
At Parc Provence, our residents regularly gather for billiards games at our wheelchair accessible table. We’ve even started a Billiards Club that meets on Sunday afternoons. The benefits of billiards beyond mere enjoyment abound, from mental stimulation to movement.
Why is billiards a great pastime?
- There is a lot of walking involved in a game of pool. A two-hour session of billiards can include about 100 trips around the table, which adds up to almost three-quarters of a mile. That exercise is great, and often goes unnoticed by the person gaining the benefits!
- Concentration is required to play the game, from determining shot angles to focusing on the ball. This type of mental stimulation is beneficial for people who have memory dysfunction.
- Participation contributes to flexibility. The bending and stretching required during play requires a moderate amount of flexibility. More difficult shots may require the player to balance, and continued play can promote stability and help prevent falls.
- The benefits of the social aspect of billiards cannot be minimized. Numerous studies point to the positive effects relationships and social interaction provide for seniors and those who have Alzheimer’s and dementia. Click here to read information about a recent study showing how group activities reduced depression among older people with dementia.
- Billiards is a game many of our residents have played for years – often since childhood. Therefore, it taps into positive memories and creates moments of joy during every game.
At Parc Provence, our robust schedule of daily activities is designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests and ability levels. We use proven techniques and Person-centered Memory Care to provide positive, stimulating experiences for each of our residents, every day. Because every moment matters.
