Some people have been known to live fuller, more satisfying lives if they’re active readers. Reading can give them new ideas, perspectives, and ways of thinking about the world around them. It can also help keep their minds sharp, reduce their risk of cognitive decline, and improve their memory function and learning skills. Let’s discover the many benefits of reading for seniors.
Enhance Memory
Reading is an excellent way to unwind after a long day. It’s not just any activity that will help your sleep—studies have found that reading, in particular, has a positive effect on how well adults in their golden years sleep and their ability to get back to sleep if they wake up during the night. One study even suggests that reading for 30 minutes before bed could reduce instances of insomnia by 65 percent! Even if you don’t count yourself as one of these statistics, reading at night can still be an effective way to relax and wind down.
Better Sleep
Reading has many benefits, including improved sleep. Studies show that people who read before bed fall asleep faster and have longer, more restful sleep than those who don’t. It’s likely because reading focuses your attention on something other than your worries, helping you relax and get to sleep quickly. Reading can also keep you from waking in the middle of the night due to stress or worry; there’s even evidence that some people need less medication when they read before bed. Because stress is a significant cause of insomnia, reading might be a perfect solution for improving sleep in golden-age adults.
Delay Onset of Alzheimer’s and Dementia
A study conducted by University of Florida researchers shows that adults in their golden years who frequently read are less likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. While there is no cure for either condition, these findings suggest that reading can delay the onset of cognitive decline. The research team surveyed 940 adults ages 65-95 about their everyday activities and medical history; results showed that those who read more had a 27% lower risk of developing dementia than non-readers. Note: The benefit was not due to reading books; rather, research suggests benefits are derived from taking in new information through any medium, including newspapers, magazines, and online sources. In addition to improving memory functions such as vocabulary and processing speed, engaging in mentally stimulating activities such as reading seems to reduce stress levels.
Reduce Stress
Reading is one of those things that soothe your mind when you are stressed. A daily reading habit can help aging adults deal with anxiety and stress-related problems. It also helps to improve their sleep and reduce depression. Depression is one of the most common mental health disorders in seniors. Reading helps them cope with depression by reducing stress levels and boosting their moods, making them happier and confident.
Sharpen Your Decision Making
You can think of your mind as a muscle. The more you work it, the stronger it becomes. But if you don’t give it a regular workout, you find that your ability to make smart decisions has atrophied after years of doing little more than checking Facebook. Studies show that people who read are more likely to be successful in life, and any activity that strengthens reading comprehension is likely to result in greater decision-making skills and higher IQs over time. So, whether you choose thrillers or biography, reading should be considered essential for seniors looking to improve their decision-making skills.
