An arcade may seem like an unlikely place for a senior but it’s become a favourite spot for one in Edmonton.
“When you’re my age anything that gets you out of the house is a bonus,” said Phyllis Stark.
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About three years ago, the 83-year-old took up the game of pinball.
“I understood pinball a little bit because the kids used to play it. I didn’t, but they did,” said Phyllis.
It was her daughter Krissy Stark that first brought her to the arcade, as a way to spend time together.
“I brought my mom to pinball kind of as a sidekick. I didn’t know how she’d like it,” said Krissy.
It didn’t take long before her mom was hooked. The pair are now regulars at a ladies pinball night held once a month.
“Every time there’s pinball it’s a standing date, and we have dinner and we come to pinball,” said Phyllis.
“I think it’s a blast,” she said. “I think seniors would really enjoy pinball if they had the opportunity,” she added.
Phyllis likes that she’s on her feet and that the game keeps her hand-eye coordination sharp.
She even joked that when she previously lived in a retirement manor she suggested a seniors trip to the arcade.
“I think they’d have fun,” she said. “If they came here for an afternoon of playing pinball. But that’s my feeling because I like the game.”
While the senior is still honing her skills, she does have a competitive side.
“These ladies we play with aren’t very competitive, but for the ones that are, my mom won’t beat any of them – except for the lady that’s having the best day playing pinball,” said Krissy.
“I call her the dream crusher,” she added with a laugh.
“I’m competitive in the fact that I want to do my best,” Phyllis said.
Pinball has also become a way for Phyllis to build new friendships.
“I really like the attitude of the other people that I’ve met here and it’s just a fun thing to do,” she said with a smile.
“She gets out, she meets people and she feels like she’s part of something,” added Krissy.
