A group of elderly people gather at a set time and place, as if they have made an appointment. They set up a chessboard and engage in a battle of wits, often playing for two to three hours at a time.
Everyone wants to live a long life, and achieving longevity requires comprehensive management, including aspects such as diet, habits, labor, exercise, mentality, and interests. Playing chess is actually one way to promote longevity.
Throughout history, those skilled in chess tend to live longer. Ban Gu, a historian from the Eastern Han Dynasty, pointed out that playing chess allows people to "cultivate their character" and "find joy in forgetting worries," making it a method for achieving longevity for those who live long lives. Liu Zhongfu, the chess sage of the Song Dynasty, and the chess master of the Ming Dynasty, lived to be over eighty years old, which was considered long-lived during that time. Xie Xiaxun, the "Centenarian Chess King" of modern times, maintains a youthful appearance and agile movements in his old age. He is adept at calligraphy, recites poetry with precision, and has a clear understanding of chess. When asked about the secret to maintaining good health, he said, "Cultivating both wisdom and agility can increase longevity, and playing chess and composing poetry can promote physical fitness."
Playing chess can help one forget worries, anger, and relieve depression. Some chess sayings are also quite interesting. "No regrets in making moves" means that once a decision is made, there should be no regrets, just as in any other endeavor. "Losing a game does not mean losing character, and winning a game does not mean winning over others" reminds people to maintain noble character and temperament. "A move that does not succeed will result in losing the whole game" emphasizes the importance of caution and careful consideration in all matters. There are also two couplets that are particularly applicable to real life: "The world is like a chess game, allowing a move without harming oneself; the mind is like the sea, accommodating all rivers to show true character." "It's not my business to frown; having seen all the world, my vision is broader." Chess is like life, and only those who have experienced all kinds of worldly affairs have a broader perspective, and the realm of chess becomes even more profound. The chessboard is full of twists and turns, profound and unpredictable. Chess, which involves intelligence, physical strength, perseverance, and willpower, can be considered an art form. During leisure time, two friends can enjoy a game of chess over a cup of tea, finding joy in the "game," with endless pleasure.
Playing chess is a high-intensity mental activity that keeps the brain active. It stimulates active thinking, exercises the neural connections, cultivates perseverance and willpower, promotes metabolism, improves physical fitness, delays aging, and plays a role in maintaining a healthy mind and a long life.
