Almost half of Americans didn't pick up a book in 2023, according to Statista? That's tens of millions of adults who don't prioritize reading as a beneficial habit.
If you're a senior in Davie, FL, you may be wondering how reading contributes to senior brain health. Read on to learn about seven key benefits of reading 20 minutes a day and how this simple habit fosters a love for lifelong learning.
Millions of seniors in America live with dementia, and many more are at risk for developing the disease. However, it doesn't have to remain this way.
Healthy senior habits, such as reading, can help prevent dementia from developing. Although nothing can eliminate the risk, taking action in your everyday life can significantly reduce your risk of illness.
Some of the specific ways that reading assists in staving off dementia include:
Make sure to switch up your reading material and try to engage in reading that mentally challenges you. When your brain works harder to understand the material, it connects vital neural pathways that aid in preventing dementia.
Even with a dementia diagnosis, regular reading can slow the disease's progression.
Even if you're not at risk for dementia, reading is fantastic for strengthening your overall cognitive health. Absorbing new words and actively thinking both play a critical role in maintaining the crucial neural connections in your brain. There is a strong connection between reading and cognition.
Remember, the brain is a muscle, and you must exercise it accordingly. If you find yourself forgetting what you read, try to focus on absorption and remembering key details of the text.
Keep a dictionary on hand while you read so you can look up unfamiliar words and concepts. You may be surprised to learn how many words you didn't know.
You might think that retirement and the golden years reduce stress. However, life circumstances and other factors can still cause stress, even in seniors.
Reading can serve as fantastic stress relief for older adults. Escaping into a book or magazine lets your mind avoid distress.
For fiction enthusiasts, reading offers a portal to vast worlds. For biography or history lovers, immersing yourself in historical stories offers endless knowledge and entertainment.
Create a cozy environment to read in peace. You can even set up a comfortable reading nook in your assisted living or memory care community.
Did you know that reading can improve your nightly shut-eye? It may not seem like it, but reading before bed offers advantages.
Rather than watching videos on a portable device or staring at a TV screen, reading does not interrupt your brain's natural process of settling down for the night. Blue light from devices can disrupt those signals and cause sleep problems.
Exercising your brain just a little bit before bed prepares you for sleep. Focusing on something other than your racing thoughts can calm the mind as well.
Even an e-reader can be beneficial. Some e-readers have adjustable temperature settings to reduce blue light. On newer models, you can activate "night mode," which inverts the content and lessens eye strain with a black background and light text.
If you prefer physical books, purchase a bedside lamp or a book light to use before bed. This is helpful if you share a bed with someone who may need to sleep earlier than you.
Reading allows you to visit all kinds of different worlds and genres, without leaving your seat. Learning about varying perspectives and contexts helps you develop more empathy and encourages critical thinking.
If you find a particularly helpful book, share its transformative impact with others. Consider hosting a book club or another reading-related event at your senior living community to share insights and learn what fellow readers think of the material.
One of the biggest advantages of reading is that it's portable and non-disruptive.
Unlike noisy cell phones or tablets, reading can be a silent and enjoyable activity.
If you're not used to reading when you are out and about, start small. Most e-readers are small enough to slip into your purse or backpack. Put a paperback or a magazine in your bag so you have easy access to your reading material.
Some of the easiest places you can sneak in a few pages of reading include:
For a hands-free reading experience, try audiobooks. Although they don't offer the exact benefits of reading, they are still a great option for busy people.
If you suffer from depression or anxiety, picking up a book can assist in managing some of your symptoms. For instance, when you are engrossed in a book or a magazine, your mind won't wander and ruminate.
Curating a reading list can also give you something to look forward to. If you struggle to think about the future, compile a list of books you'd like to read in the coming months or years.
Picking up a book or a newspaper is a good habit no matter your age, but for seniors, the benefits of reading 20 minutes a day cannot be overlooked. What are you waiting for? Visit your local library, pick up a new novel at the bookstore, or purchase an e-reader.
At Oakmonte Village of Davie, we recognize the importance of healthy senior habits such as reading. With our stunning Florida campus and beautiful floor plans, our community offers many cozy spots to enjoy a good book or discuss favorites with other seniors.
Are you ready to make a positive change in your lifestyle? Reach out to us today, or take a virtual tour on our website. We can't wait to hear from you!