Humbert Davis, first vice-president of the National Association of Domino Bodies (NADB), says his organisation’s outreach efforts in attracting a diverse membership has fostered a vibrant community driving the sport’s growth and development.

In a recent collaboration with the National Council for Senior Citizens (NCSC), NADB launched a Regional Senior Citizen Domino Tournament.

It is set to commence on Thursday in Kingston, St Thomas, Portland, and St Mary.

Davis emphasised the NADB’s inclusive approach in promoting healthy aging through recreational activities, social engagement, relaxation, and cognitive stimulation.

“Our goal is to enhance memory, imagination, and strategic thinking among seniors, while encouraging mental health exercises, intergenerational interaction, and skill-sharing,” Davis told the Jamaica Observer.

According to Davis, playing dominoes improves memory and brain function, leading to better information processing and retrieval. He also said that the game promotes cognitive development by having players visualise patterns, forms, and lines.

“Regular play builds brain connections in older persons, improving cognitive performance and increasing resilience to mental health problems such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Furthermore, dominoes promotes social interaction, which reduces loneliness and may prevent depression, so helping overall healthy aging activities.

“We concentrate on both the physical and cognitive aspects of well-being.

“Each parish will form teams of six people (including two reserves), both men and women, to compete for the famous First Place Champion trophy in their respective regions,” explained Davis.

The tournament continues on July 25, with competitions in St Ann, Trelawny, St James, Westmoreland, and Hanover, and concludes on August 15 in St Andrew, St Catherine, Clarendon, and Mandeville.