Aim to Read and Finish 1 Book Each Month

English writer Joseph Addison summed up the benefits of reading in one quote: “Reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body.” The analogy makes sense if you picture the brain’s network of neurotransmitters working as hard as muscles work to strengthen the body. Addison’s analogy is an especially relevant one for seniors who benefit from reading in several ways. With reading benefiting seniors, aim to read and finish one book each month to reap the rewards of getting lost in a book.

Let’s review the benefits of reading for residents of an assisted living and memory care facility in Phoenix, Arizona.

Boosts Memory

A research study of nearly 300 participants discovered that people who engaged in mentally stimulating activities over their lives experienced slower rates of memory decline. Reading is one of the most stimulating mental activities because it constantly requires the brain to store information such as the names of characters and vivid descriptions of scenery. To paraphrase the quote attributed to writer Addison, “Reading works out memory skills like a treadmill works out the cardiovascular system.

Improved Decision-Making Skills

Reading a book requires the brain to use its analytical powers to solve dilemmas before they reach a resolution. For example, if two characters square off in a conflict, the brain works hard to determine how to resolve the conflict. This is a phenomenon called fluid intelligence that typically declines in power as we grow older. A significant study conducted with Americans between 25 and 74 years old found that regardless of a participant’s age, participants who regularly exercised the brain by reading possessed much stronger levels of fluid intelligence.

Alleviate Stress and Anxiety

Transitioning from living at home to a senior living community in Phoenix often triggers considerable stress and anxiety. If your loved one lives with stress and anxiety, suggest reading a good book to slow down the mental turmoil. According to research completed at Mindlab International, which is part of the University of Sussex, people who read take an average of six minutes to relax their muscles and to slow down their heart rates. Reading also is known to help seniors act less impulsively when feeling anxious.

Enhanced Sleep Patterns

We hear about what not to do before bed, such as eating a large meal or stimulating the brain by playing computer games. What we do not hear much about concerns how to improve our sleep patterns. According to several research studies, including one conducted by the Mayo Clinic, reading before bed appears to be the most effective way to fall asleep. Instead of following the bedtime ritual of watching television, your senior loved one should allow a good book to slow down the busy neurotransmitters buzzing around in the brain.

Consider a Senior Living Community That Values Reading

MorningStar at Arcadia does much more than encourage our residents to read a good book at least one time a month. Because we understand that some seniors are hesitant to read because of physical limitations, our assisted living and memory care facility in Phoenix has taken steps to encourage reading, such as offering books in much larger print. MorningStar’s mission statement of “to honor, to value, to invest” includes ensuring our residents enjoy all the amenities required to thrive during the golden years.

Connect with one of our resident care services representatives to discover the joy of reading at MorningStar at Arcadia.