‘It’s a blast’: 83-year-old Edmonton woman discovers passion for pinball

Phyllis Stark, 83, and her daughter are mainstays in an Edmonton pinball league. Amanda Anderson has their story.

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.