Claiming concentration, logic and memorisation, the game of chess is considered as a cerebral sport. A winning strategy for seniors, in particular.
“The brain is a muscle and failure is its fitness!” The multiple world champion Vladimir Kramnik summed up his favourite game in the Swiss magazine Le Temps. “The game of chess helps to develop logical and coherent thought, promotes the ability to project into the future, to see in space, to develop a strategy, to devise a tactic”. And what’s more, it’s fun!
Considered a brain sport, chess does not require an athlete’s physical condition. It is an intergenerational practice that can be started from childhood or soon after. It is never too late to learn and discover, around a square of 64 black and white boxes, a universe where imagination and creativity allow you to anticipate your moves and implement your strategy.
“There are more adventures on a chessboard than on all the seas of the world”, assures Gérard Depardieu who interprets a chess trainer in the film Fahim, recently released on screens, retracing the journey of a young Bangladeshi immigrant who obtained asylum in France thanks to his victory at the world championships of under 12 years old.
Maintain a quick wit
This invitation to travel also appeals to seniors who take advantage of its many benefits for cognitive health. “The game of chess constitutes an excellent means to maintain its liveliness of spirit”, confirms Guy Bellaïche, doctor engaged with the French Chess Federation , which adds:
“The player has to cultivate many qualities such as patience, memorisation, logic, concentration and serenity ”.
Beyond the pleasure of the game, chess creates social ties, maintains the joy of living, and strengthens self-esteem. They constitute an effective tool for the prevention of Alzheimer’s disease. All the more reason to push your pawns onto the chessboard and inflict checkmate on your opponent!
You will easily find a club near you, France has almost a thousand. It is also possible to learn and play on the internet.
