The Benefits of Reading as we get Older

Introduction

Do you find yourself looking for ways to occupy your mind? Have you just finished binge watching a series on Netflix and wondering what to fill that newly acquired time with?

Why not pick up a book? Not only is it enjoyable and an enriching pastime for people of all ages it is also rewarding and a cheap source of entertainment.

Reading is one of life’s simple pleasures, and it can lead to many positives - reading can also open up new social activities such as attending a book club.

Here are a few reasons why you should snuggle up with a good page-turner:

Memory enhancement

Reading regularly is a great way to exercise and strengthen your brain, it improves short-term memory recall and memory retention. Historical and factual books help us become more receptive to learning by introducing us to new facts. Reading demands focus, for us to use our imaginations and to stay on track with characters and ongoing storylines. For more ways to exercise the brain please visit our blog article - Brain Training - 10 Activities to Stimulate the Mind!

Reduce Stress and Anxiety

Reading is a sure-fire way to escapism, hijacking your mind from everyday worries.

Studies found that regular readers are less likely to make impulsive decisions and are more likely to think before reacting in situations, meaning less anxiety over uncertainty.

Studies also found that it only takes roughly six minutes for muscle retention and heart rate to relax and reduce when you dive into a book.

Sleep Better

Reading a few pages of a good book triggers the production of natural chemicals that aid sleep such as dopamine and serotonin which make it easier for you to fall asleep, as your brain is signalling to your body to unwind and relax.

Why not incorporate reading into your current bedtime routine or even trade time in front on the television for an audiobook? If you would like more tips on getting to sleep, see our other article - 10 Tips to Help You Get Off to Sleep.

Increases Critical Thinking and Decision-making Skills

Our cognitive health can be improved by reading just a few hours a week, along with analytic and reasoning power that we require to problem solve.

Mystery novels can advance our attention span and decision-making skills especially when it comes to trying to solve the 'whodunnit'.

Finding a new interest in literature at any age can have this beneficial effect on your brain.

Boosts Happiness and Improves Mood

Reading a book is entertaining, just like watching a TV series or movie.

Escaping into a good book that you enjoy not only increases your level of happiness but can help to lower cortisol levels, the primary stress hormone which can make a difference in how you reflect back onto your day.

Studies have shown that people who read just 30 minutes a week reported that they felt 20% more satisfied with their lives than those who did not.

Improves empathy

If you sincerely engage with the characters and storyline of a fictional book this can lead to an increase in empathy, emotional intelligence, and understanding as they offer the experience to step outside of oneself.

Exposure to new beliefs and situations strengthen your mind to be able to relate to individuals in different stages of life.

Start by finding a genre that most excites you. Are you a Science Fiction fan looking to explore space or follow the adventures of a time traveller? Or maybe an Elton John fan who’d like to know more about his life through his own words in his autobiography!

Don’t be disheartened if you lose interest in the middle of a book, you can always pick it up again at a later date or give it to someone who you know would appreciate it.

You are more likely to stick to a hobby you enjoy.