By JACCI GRUNINGER
Executive Director
LARSO

The Los Alamos Retirement and Senior Organization (LARSO) is hosting an 8-Ball Tournament 9 a.m. to noon Friday, Aug. 11. All ages are welcome to participate. Registration is required by 8:30 a.m. on the morning of the event. Call 505.662-8920 to reserve a spot.

Both the Betty Ehart Senior Center in Los Alamos and the White Rock Senior Center have billiard tables.  Billiards is a favorite pastime of people of all ages. At the centers the games are played casually and for social purposes. Anyone can learn and continue to play throughout their lives.

Here are a few benefits of playing:

• Movement. You have to walk around a bit while you play – in a two-hour time frame you might walk around the table 100 times, which is about ¾ of a mile.

• Sharpens the mind. You must concentrate and focus while playing. Determining shot angles creates mental stimulation.

• Increased flexibility. When you play you must bend and stretch to take the shot.

• Improves balance. Often you have to stand on one foot which increases strength and proprioception and can help prevent falls.

• Increase eye-hand coordination.

• Have fun and enjoy the company of others. Anyone can play – billiards is a leisure activity good for bringing people together.

The Los Alamos Retired and Senior Organization is dedicated to promoting positive living for the seniors in Los Alamos and White Rock. It offers activity centers for social interaction, recreation, basic support and needs, transportation, education, volunteerism, community activism, daily lunch and day out programs.