On National Book Lovers Day, celebrate the joy and health benefits of being a lifelong reader
Pick up a beloved classic and explore new literary adventures that will continue stimulating your mind.
According to many scientific studies, older adults who read regularly exhibit slower cognitive declines in areas like memory, focus, and critical thinking compared to their non-reading peers.
Many aging adults use reading as a pastime, but does it truly have an impact on their cognitive health? Yes, it truly does. Reading has been shown to greatly improve aging adults’ cognitive health by providing an engaging mental workout that strengthens brain function and memory. Like exercise for the body, the act of reading is a vigorous activity that flexes the mind’s skills at processing information, visualization, analytical thinking, and more. It requires constant practice at reinforcing neural connections and promoting higher cognitive abilities.
Embracing the habit of deep, active reading may even help reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s and dementia by keeping the brain sharp and creating cognitive reserve. Whether it’s getting lost in a great novel, being transported to new places through memoirs and travel writing, or learning new facts from non-fiction works, reading provides an enriching mental engagement that pays dividends as we age. On National Book Lovers Day, celebrate the joy and health benefits of being a lifelong reader by picking up a beloved classic or exploring new literary adventures that will continue stimulating your mind.
In addition to the cognitive benefits, reading can provide a profound sense of calm, escapism, and emotional nourishment – something incredibly valuable during the inevitable challenges of aging. Losing oneself in the narrative of an engrossing book allows temporary relief from stressors and daily worries. It’s an accessible and affordable form of entertainment that exercises the imagination and cultivates empathy by experiencing the world through different characters’ perspectives. Reading can alleviate loneliness by making us feel connected to others through the insights and life experiences conveyed within the pages.
With the rise of e-readers and tablets, reading is more accessible than ever before for those with vision issues or mobility limitations. Many public libraries now offer digital borrowing or audiobook selections as well. So, this National Book Lovers Day, take time to rediscover or deepen your love affair with the written word. Whether philosophical, comedic, historical or contemporary – the worlds contained in books are yours to explore, all while giving your mind a healthy workout.
Your future cognitive self will surely thank you!
#BookLoversDay
submitted: The Importance of Reading on Cognitive Health, Kat Eddy, Marketing & Communications Intern
