As the years go by, many seniors can be left feeling like there is little to do every day. Whether they live at home with assistance or in a nursing home, elderly men and women without something to look forward to can find themselves bored, restless, and even depressed. But even when physically impaired, a good book can set the imagination free. It can be fiction or nonfiction, drama or fantasy, adventure or romance. The power of the written word can improve cognition, empathy, and the desire for social connection unlike anything else. Here are five other benefits of reading for the elderly.
1. Improves and Protects Cognitive Health
A mind with nothing to do deteriorates with time. As seniors are especially vulnerable to decreases in mental strength, daily reading is especially helpful. Concentration and imagination are key to a healthy mind, and reading is perfect for strengthening both. Recent studies have shown that reading can even delay the onset of Alzheimer’s disease. Just as your muscles have to flex and work with weight to remain strong, a book can be the weight that keeps thoughts and attention sharp.
2. Reduces Stress
For seniors that live far from family, have mental or physical ailments, or are unable to properly care for themselves, life can be stressful and full of daily worry. Reading can give seniors something to look forward to every day. A great book can also keep their thoughts upon the tales they read instead of the things that give them anxiety. Seniors may not be able to fully control every situation in their lives, but reading is a great way to discover the world in a different way.
3. Strengthens Empathy and Positive Emotions
When life is a struggle, depression, frustration, and even anger can come easily to anyone. For those living in their twilight years, this is especially true. Beyond maintaining those all-important social connections, seniors can maintain healthy emotions through reading narratives of characters making those same connections. Reading is fun, especially for the elderly. And you never know how many book clubs gather together in your area to talk about those very narratives!
4. Help with Good Sleeping Patterns
A consistent circadian rhythm is important for senior health. Sleeping too much or sleeping too little can play havoc with a senior’s mental and physical well-being. The thought of falling asleep while reading is entertaining, but it makes an important point: reading can not only take the mind away from daily troubles, but the very routine of reading can help the mind maintain that all-too-important rhythm it needs for rest.
5. Greater Overall Happiness
Compared to seniors that do not read, more than twenty percent of seniors who read daily report a greater quality of life. The positive effects of reading are comprehensive, and even those that were never avid readers as adults or children will see benefits immediately. For seniors, if you do not find a series of books that spark your interest, don’t give up! And for everyone that cares for elderly family members, consider helping them read or even reading to them.
To help the seniors in your family, choose Visiting Angels in St. George, Utah. Contact us today!