The importance of reading for the elderly

Reading stimulates the brain and creates new neurons, contributing to good brain function. It improves analytical and reasoning ability in the elderly which is termed ‘fluid intelligence’, which declines throughout adulthood. As you read, your ‘fluid intelligence’ is actually improving. Your brain is throbbing with new neurons the more you read!

Research shows that reading helps to unwind, relax, and release muscle tension. When it comes to putting your feet up, a good read will slow the heart rate quicker than listening to music. A regular reader is less likely to act impulsively and more likely to think before reacting. This means you could be better adapted to handle the anxieties that may come with ageing.

Reading helps create a healthy bedtime ritual and signals to the body that it’s time to sleep. While you might love your nightly Eastenders fix, the blue light from screens hinders your ability to fall asleep. Sleep is crucial for all-around good health.  Swapping this for a nightly read will help to get in your beauty sleep, which is good for the old and the young.

Brain-challenging activities like reading are thought to help delay the onset of Alzheimer’s and dementia, which are common obstacles for older people. Research shows that reading throughout your lifetime helps prevent neurodegenerative conditions by building up neuron reserves in the brain. It takes much longer for the Alzheimer’s process to destroy enough neurons for symptoms to emerge.

Happiness and fulfilment make it easier to deal with some of the issues that come with age. Reading can have a positive impact on mental health as it helps prevent loneliness, connects with the outside world, and creates a feeling of escapism. Re-reading favourites from your youth can bring back happy memories, like that one holiday you had as a child or the whirlwind romance you had in the 60s.

Reading regularly can strengthen the brain’s neural network which helps it to become more receptive to learning and memory retention. As a mental workout, reading exercises your memory and helps with the short-term recall of everyday events. As you age, you may find yourself forgetting things that could be distressing. Picking up a book helps to minimise the effects of ageing on your brain.