National Seniors Network
FORGET crosswords and Sudoku – a classic card game is making a comeback, offering older Australians an affordable way to keep their minds active, make new friends and enjoy some friendly competition.
Bridge, a game combining strategy, teamwork and social interaction, is enjoying renewed interest after years of declining membership, with community clubs working to attract a new generation of players.
And unlike many competitive activities, age is no barrier, with players as young as 10 able to challenge opponents in their 80s on equal terms.
After nine consecutive years of declining membership, Bridge NSW recorded its first annual increase in a decade in 2025, signalling a welcome turnaround for the traditional pastime.
Executive director Jake Andrew said the resurgence had been driven by grassroots volunteers, beginner lessons and the game’s ability to bring people from different walks of life together.
“There’s been a real increase in new players, clubs recruiting more, and for the first time in 10 years, the recruitment is bigger than the outflow,” Mr Andrew said.
In 2025, a total of 1471 new players registered with bridge clubs across the state, compared with 1314 members who left, delivering a net increase of 157 players.
While the increase might appear modest, it represents an important milestone for a game that has struggled with an ageing membership base and the lingering effects of Covid-19 restrictions.
Mr Andrew believes bridge’s affordability and welcoming atmosphere are among its greatest strengths.
“There are not many activities where the cost is so low that it becomes this melting pot of ages, backgrounds, ethnicities, education and income,” he said.
“A 10-year-old and an 80-year-old can face each other at the table and both can be formidable.”
For seniors, the appeal extends well beyond winning a hand.
Bridge challenges players to concentrate, remember cards, make decisions and work cooperatively.
