subject: The Health Benefits of Learning to Play Bridge [print this page] The Health Benefits of Learning to Play Bridge
The approach to retirement can be a frightening time. You're probably used to leading an active life and having to use your brain constantly at work. With impending retirement you might wonder how you can keep your brain active. The old saying "use it or lose it" has repeatedly been show to be true.
How can you help keep your brain active? One excellent way is to learn to play bridge. Bridge requires concentration - and it is this aspect which helps to keep your brain working.
Of course, there is another benefit to learning to play bridge. Bridge is a social game - as a bridge player you will never be short of friends and will enjoy an active social life. You will find bridge clubs you can join as well as many people who enjoy a game or two of bridge in their own home - probably with suitable refreshments!
Once you have learned the basics of playing bridge, you will probably be welcome at your local bridge club who may well have a session especially for beginners/improvers. You might also consider joining a bridge class, which will help you learn and help you meet even more people. Who said you'll be bored when you retire?
Perhaps you feel in need of a holiday or short break. No problem - bridge players of all standards will find a variety of specialist holidays to choose from, at home and abroad and from a weekend to a whole week. Don't worry if you are widowed - you will find many other single people on these holidays and you will be in good company.
Once you've started learning to play, it would be very helpful to find somewhere to practice your bridge bidding and play online - with tutorials, quizzes and hands for all standards from complete beginner to improver.