Benefits of Reading for Senior Adults & Summer Reading List
As the weather begins to shift, and we begin to see and feel little hints of summer’s arrival all around, it is the perfect time to start a new book! Whether you have a favorite reading nook in your home, a cozy spot in one of our communal spaces, or even a cherished spot outdoors, there’s nothing quite like unfurling the world of possibilities that awaits us inside a good book.
The Benefits of Reading for Senior Adults
According to research done at the Beckman Institute, developing a routine practice of leisure reading is a great foundation for preserving and strengthening our mental capabilities. Regularly reading for pleasure can strengthen our memory skills as we age.
A study on the connection between reading and mental preservation was conducted by the Beckman Institute and the Champaign Public Library in 2022. During their research, they learned that senior adults who read for 90 minutes per day showed significant improvements to their episodic and working memory within eight weeks.
Researcher, Liz Stine-Morrow added “There's more promise in engaging fully in the stimulating things that we already do in our lives. That's probably the best pathway to maintaining our mental ability and offsetting the effects of Alzheimer's disease.”
Not only is reading a great stress reliever, an enjoyable hobby, and something that can be enjoyed alone or in a group setting – it is a step toward sharpening our mental skills and enhancing the health of our memory!
Summer Reading List
Now, it’s time to get cozy and embark on a new adventure! With summer in full swing, it’s the perfect time to start a new book or series. Reading is a great option for an indoor activity on especially hot summer days! Whether you enjoy reading alone or like to participate in a book club, we have the perfect recommendations for you!
The Kew Gardens Girls by Posy Lovell is a heartwarming story that takes place in the historic grounds of the Kew Royal Botanical Gardens. Inspired by true events, the story centers the brave women that kept the gardens alive throughout World War II.
West With Giraffes by Lynda Rutledge is a novel inspired by the incredible, real story of two giraffes who made a cross-country journey during the Dust Bowl era. Told through the memory of a veteran, West With Giraffes, explores many themes including historical fiction, coming of age, the passage of time, and so much more!
Social and Emotional Benefits of Reading
Whether you pick up The Kew Gardens Girls, West With Giraffes, or grab an old favorite to begin again, reading is a wonderful way to learn new things and explore new worlds. We’ve learned that reading regularly can strengthen our mental faculties, but the benefits don’t stop there!
Opening ourselves up to the stories of others, fiction or nonfiction, can increase our ability to feel and express empathy toward others. Participating in book clubs can significantly improve feelings of loneliness and offers us common ground to share with others. Reading is also a relaxing activity and doing so before bed can help you to fall asleep faster. Being opened up to different stories and worlds can improve our imagination and sense of creativity, our ability to concentrate and to comprehend, and can even expand our vocabulary!
Whether you are a seasoned reader, or just starting out, challenge yourself to read a little bit each day, and lean into all that you can gain from the experience.