Keeping the mind active is essential to preserve intellectual functions in old age. Although reading is a good habit, no matter how old we are, reading is a way to protect the mental well-being of older people.
In addition to the fact that neurologists and psychologists recommend reading as a preventive method for Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative diseases, reading provides great benefits to older people:
GOODBYE SOLEDAD
Literature is a remedy for loneliness. When we have an interesting book in our hands we forget that we are alone and we completely immerse ourselves in the story, letting it absorb all our attention.
IMPROVE EMPATHY
Why? Reading literary genres increases our ability to put ourselves in the shoes of others, increasing our understanding of others. People who read novels are more empathetic than those who opt for specialized books, or those who simply do not read any genre.
INCREASE THE CAPACITY TO CONCENTRATE
How is it possible? Exercising the mind increases our concentration, and reading is a good way to do it. Reading enhances our ability to observe and pay attention. In addition, it facilitates relaxation and helps us see our problems from a different, more objective point of view, and to do so with more peace of mind.
PROVIDE ENTERTAINMENT
This was clear, but also, by keeping our mind busy it evades us from other worries. As we get older we have fewer daily chores (we retire, we can do less things…) thus increasing our perception of worries. Reading gives us flexibility by introducing us to other adventures and fostering our imagination and creativity.
WE REMEMBER THINGS BETTER
How can it be that the mere act of reading improves our memory? Emotions help to establish memories better, and reading gives us emotions. Furthermore, by reading daily we exercise our cognitive abilities, providing us with a rich variety of stories, characters, vocabulary, expressions…
SENSATION OF WELL-BEING
Is there a better feeling than this? Reading reduces our cortisol level, increasing this sensation. A story that we find interesting can “hook” us, causing us to release tension and relativize our problems.
THE BEST METHOD TO CATCH SLEEP
No counting sheep, the best way to fall asleep is to read a little before going to bed. Reading relaxes us, relaxing our muscles and releasing stress from our brain, thus providing us with the ideal state to fall asleep.
Surely all these benefits have convinced you that reading is a more than recommended practice in the elderly, but do not forget that older people must follow certain recommendations to do so, such as taking advantage of the hours of the day with more light, opting for large print books so as not to tire their eyes, and doing so in a comfortable and quiet place that allows them to concentrate.
What more reasons do you need to give a book to your seniors? More than an object, you will be giving them hours of well-being.
