Reading is not only informative, but has been a great source of knowledge, enjoyment, and creativity for people of all ages for centuries. Though young children are encouraged to read to expand their minds, there can be equal benefits to reading for senior citizens.
Frequent reading provides excellent benefits in cognitive, psychological, social, physical, and general life enjoyment.
Importance of Books
Psychologically, there’s a lot going on when we read. Studies have shown that when we read, it activates multiple areas of the brain, helping to stimulate neural pathways and enhance brain activity.
Children are so heavily encouraged to read when they are young because it increases their empathy, emotional awareness, and literacy. But the benefits to reading don’t stop at adulthood – regular recreational reading improves communication, develops new skills, strengthens work abilities, improves writing skills, and strengthens vocabulary, to name a few.
Therefore, it continues to be important for senior citizens to practice regular reading to improve their minds, moods, and overall satisfaction in life.
1. Cognitive Benefits to Reading
Studies have shown that seniors who regularly read are at lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s and other kinds of dementia. This is because reading can help improve focus and concentration, sharpening the mind. Maintained cognitive function, which impacts various other aspects of life, is one of the many benefits to reading.
2. Social Benefits
Because books tend to be written with higher vocabulary than regular conversations, reading books can help seniors improve their vocabulary. It can also provide them with better communication skills.
Many seniors struggle with loneliness as they get older. But book reading can encourage social connections. Investing in the stories can lead to the opportunity for book clubs and offer topics for conversation.
3. Learning & Enjoyment
All ages should aim toward constant learning and improving the mind. As seniors get older, this is especially true. Some of the many benefits to reading are the lifelong learning and curiosity it promotes. Regular reading encourages creativity, as many stories spark the imagination.
Not only this, but reading improves problem solving and critical thinking skills. If books present complex ideas, arguments, or perspectives, it encourages the brain to be more active. Reading a wide variety of books helps seniors to be well-rounded and think more deeply.
4. Emotional & Psychological Benefits
There are substantial psychological benefits to reading. It is reported that about 20% of adults 55 or older struggle with some kind of mental health problem. But regular reading can help provide comfort and reduce mental health issues.
Reading can help reduce stress and anxiety, encouraging readers to practice mindfulness and mental presence. In addition to this, reading can boost the mood and reduce loneliness, both common struggles of seniors.
5. Physical Benefits to Reading
Reading can actually provide a lot of physical benefits as well. Reading a book before bed can promote better sleep because it encourages your brain to produce melatonin and slow down. Better rest at night impacts numerous other areas of bodily functioning, helping it to stay healthy.
Reading a calming book can also lower blood pressure and heart rate, which prevents other more serious health issues, like kidney disease, heart attack, and stroke. Not only this, but reading promotes relaxation.
What Books Are Best?
Although reading in general gives substantial advantages, specific books can hone in on certain skills. Fiction books can help grow empathy, social skills, creativity, and critical thinking skills, while non-fiction books are chock-full of subject-specific topics: biographies, science, history, or self-improvement.
Regardless of the books that are read, the overall benefits to reading for seniors is notable.
Better Living
At Leisure Villas, we know the importance of having a satisfying life, full of fun and community. We not only offer homes for adults 55+, but also a rich community and environment to get involved in. You’ll be surrounded with others who are in a similar stage of life, providing ample opportunities for building connections and lasting friendships.
Whether you are bonding with other seniors through a book club, or relaxing with your family near the community pool and with a book in hand, we want you to feel comfortable to live your best life. Reach out today to find out how to get involved.