Health and Wellbeing
Why is reading good for you as you age?
Wondering about the benefits of reading for seniors? You’ll be surprised at just how many there are.
Reading isn’t just an enjoyable way to pass the time – it can do wonders for your brain, mental health, and overall wellbeing.
Discover the science behind the benefits of reading, and how spending time with a book may do more for your health than you think.
Key takeaways:
- Reading supports brain health and may support memory as you age.
- Studies have shown it is associated with a lower risk of cognitive decline, which could slow the risk of developing dementia.
- Reading can also reduce stress, improve wellbeing, and encourage social connections.
Why is reading good for you?
Many of us spend our downtime watching TV, streaming films, or scrolling social media. While these activities can be a great form of escapism, reading can offer additional benefits aside from relaxation. Whether you enjoy celebrity biographies or science fiction, reading helps keep your brain active, improve memory, and contribute positively to overall well-being. This makes it a valuable habit to keep as we get older.
What are the 5 benefits of reading?
- Slows memory decline: Processing new information engages the brain’s cognitive functions, slowing down age-related memory decline.
- Helps reduce stress: Getting lost in a good book is a great way to unwind after a busy day.
- Keeps brain engaged: From expanding your vocabulary to following complex plots, reading activates the part of the brain that helps you with decision-making.
- Builds social connection: Joining a book club or simply discussing books with friends and family can help reduce loneliness and build meaningful connections.
- May lower cognitive decline: Many studies have shown reading can improve memory function, which could help delay the onset of dementia.
Reading and dementia: What does the evidence say?
One study from the University of Illinois’ Beckman Institute found that older adults who read absorbing books for 90 minutes a day, five days a week, for eight weeks showed improvements in both working memory and episodic memory compared with a control group who did word puzzles instead.
Lead researcher Liz Stine-Morrow, director of the Adult Learning Lab at the University of Illinois, says: “[The] reading you get lost in is good for you, and helps build the very mental abilities reading depends on.”
If you’re living with dementia or supporting someone who is, The Reading Agency recommends books and digital resources to help better understand the condition.
Is reading good for seniors?
Reading is a good way to keep older adults mentally active and boost overall wellbeing – and it’s also linked to a slower page of ageing.
A recent study published in UCL’s ‘Innovation in Aging’ journal, found that those who engaged in arts and culture hobbies, such as reading, had a younger biological age. Looking at data from 3,556 participants, those who regularly engaged in creative activities aged 4% more slowly, based on changes to DNA that track with ageing.
Professor Daisy Fancourt, who led the research, explains: “Our study also suggests that engaging in a variety of arts activities may be helpful. This may be because each activity has different ‘ingredients’ that help health, such as physical, cognitive, emotional or social stimulation.”
Making reading easier if it’s become harder
Changes to vision, arthritis, or reduced hand strength can make reading less comfortable as we age. Luckily, there are some helpful aids available, including:
• Large-print books: Larger text and improved contrast can make it easier to see.
• Reading magnifiers: Magnifying lenses help make smaller text easier to read.
• E-readers or tablets: Turning the page requires just a single tap on the screen – ideal for limited dexterity in the hands.
• Reading lamps: Good lighting improves text visibility and reduces eye strain.
• Book stands: Holding books at a comfortable angle can reduce hand, wrist, or neck strain. Discover more benefits in our blog post.
Getting comfy with a book
There’s nothing like cosying up with a good book, but the furniture you sit in matters for those longer reading sessions.
Our adjustable beds make it easy to adjust the angle of your head and feet, letting you find the most comfortable position for reading – all at the touch of a button. Discover more about adjustable beds here.
Oak Tree Mobility adjustable beds help you sit up while you read
FAQS about why reading is beneficial later in life
Does reading really help prevent dementia?
There is currently no way to prevent dementia entirely. However, studies have shown that reading can help lower the risk of cognitive decline and support brain health.
What can help if reading has become uncomfortable or tiring?
If reading has become uncomfortable or tiring, a book stand may help. Read our latest blog post to discover how it can take the hassle out of reading in bed.
What are the 5 benefits of reading?
Key benefits of reading include slowing memory decline, reducing stress, sharpening problem-solving, building social connections, and supporting cognitive health.
What happens when you read a lot?
When you read more often, you’ll notice an improvement in long-term memory, increased focus, and lowered stress and anxiety levels.
Does reading help your brain as you age?
Reading is hugely beneficial as we age. It can help slow down cognitive decline, strengthen memory, and improve information processing.
Why is reading 20 minutes a day good for adults?
Even reading for 20 minutes a day can have a positive impact on your brain, mental health, physical health, and overall wellbeing.
Speak to us to explore ways to make reading more comfortable
Have any more questions? Don’t hesitate to contact our friendly customer service team on freephone 0808 258 0871 – we’re always on hand to help.
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Our made-to-fit range of rise and recline chairs, adjustable beds, and bath lifts is designed to make everyday life more comfortable, helping you maintain your independence and feel supported at home.
Sources and references
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