Seniors Find a Worthy Chess Opponent at WhiteStone

WhiteStone senior living communities Life Enrichment Coordinator Scott Oliver is well known around the community as a sports guru. From chair yoga to tone and balance, he teaches a plethora of fitness classes for all to enjoy. But when he saw an opportunity to reach a group of seniors not involved in the fitness programming, he took it. This is how the now-popular chess club was formed.

Scott, 29, had limited experience with the strategic board game at first. Now he has five years’ experience playing with residents – some nearly six decades older than him. He’s found many worthy opponents who have taught him the benefits of the game and life lessons.

The chess club is open to all residents who want to come and take him on. Some just come to watch, while others want to come and practice. Scott enjoys seeing the health benefits chess provides residents and has witnessed firsthand how some seniors with Alzheimer’s and other diseases are still skilled while playing the competitive game.

According to recent studies, playing chess actively engages the brain and has been shown to strengthen logical reasoning and problem-solving among seniors. These mental benefits also further improve social and physical health. This results in an improved quality of life for senior chess players.