Voracious readers will tell you that it’s one of their favourite hobbies. You probably know someone for whom there is no sweeter pleasure in life than cracking open a brand-new book (or a well-worn used one) and just smelling the pages. Reading is a hobby that will keep on giving, and it can actually be good for you.
For some, reading is a lifelong pleasure and an easy habit to maintain long into their senior years, but it’s never too late to pick up a book and start reading. Here are just a few reasons you should.
#1 Learn New Things
Reading is one of the most enjoyable ways to learn new things. There’s a wealth of knowledge out there waiting for you. Knowledge is a powerful thing, and you never know what might come in handy. Being widely read and knowledgeable is an irreplaceable life skill to have.
When you tour our senior homes in Ottawa, ask about classes and chances to learn new things, including painting classes and book clubs. At our Chapel Hill retirement community, there are tons of social, recreational, and educational programs so you can keep learning.
#2 Reading Is Brain Exercise
Seniors need more than just physical exercise to stay healthy. They need mental stimulation to help improve their memory retention and keep their brains healthy. Reading is brain exercise, and brain exercise prevents memory less and prevent dementia. Some studies show that those who regularly engage in brain activities including reading, chess, and puzzles, could be as much as 2.5 times less likely to develop Alzheimer’s.
A retirement residence can do a lot to help you exercise your brain. At All Seniors Care, we have several residences in Ontario where you’ll find a rich array of brain exercises from games to puzzles. You can also start or join a book club and turn reading into a social activity.
#3 Learn Empathy and Analytical Thinking Skills
You can learn a lot from non-fiction books on just about any topic under the sun, but reading fiction can also teach you plenty about the world. Diving into someone else’s world can teach you empathy and improve your analytic thinking skills. When you read fiction, you see the world through someone else’s eyes. You learn how to appreciate others’ perspectives, and for seniors who’ve had a lifetime to form their own opinions about the world and how it works, it can be an eye-opening experience. Learning perspective is an invaluable piece of life advice; click here if you want to see more great senior advice from our residents.
#4 Reading Is Relaxing
Settling in to read a book is the perfect way to relax. Sleep experts recommend setting aside screens and reading a book before bed. For those who get sleepy a little too quickly with a book, reading with a cup of tea is an excellent way to start the day. You should also read about why drinking tea is great for your health.
Reading can help you learn, empathize, relax, and exercise your brain. If it’s been awhile since the last time you picked up a book, now’s the time to start reading again.