For every age group, reading is one of the most engaging activities. It’s pretty surprising how people can’t recall what it feels like to be snuggled in a cozy bed and read yourself to sleep. Reading is just much more than just a good story. It enhances various positive aspects in an individual. The best part about reading it is that when you’re too much into the story, you are opening yourself to another dimension free of stress. Some people read books just to add their numbers, forgetting how lenient reading can affect your subconscious mind, relationships, personal growth, or worse, mental health.
You need to get a clear vision of why you want to read a book and then choose. Because when you are reading a book, you are giving your valuable time into something with which you wish to have a positive outcome. Some people read books to get out of boredom, whereas some read them for inspiration and guidance. This post will decipher all the possible benefits of reading for senior citizens.
Improved decision making- The experience that we get as we age in life can help us make practical decisions. The only downfall in this is that one might face differences in their working memory with ageing. Reading improves reasoning and analytical skills among seniors, making it easier for them in decision making. It challenges one’s brain and sharpens the ability to make rapid decisions.
Senior citizens are often dependent on others for their basic needs. Amongst this, reading gives them the opportunity to take time for themselves and think about their lives with their own decisions.
Better sleep- Having a bedtime reading ritual is considered an unquestionable way to fall asleep in time. Once you make a habit of reading before bedtime for a while, the body gets the signal that it’s time for sleep. It’s better than sleeping in front of the television screen or any other electronic device. Among the elderly, sleep deficit often affects physical and mental health. Staring at the screen for hours before bedtime can affect sleep quality.
Seniors having health limitations might get moody frequently as ageing in one place can pop up quite a few challenges for them. Senior citizens can’t entirely focus on their reading if they face trouble with their sitting arrangements or comfort level. That being the case, laying down on an air mattress can take away a senior’s mind from discomfort days by giving undivided attention to reading and exploring.
Reduce stress and anxiety- Getting lost in the imaginary world of books is the best way to unwind. It beats all the other distractions or habits. Reading opens the creative bounds of your brain and eases your stress and anxiety. According to the study, people who read frequently are less impulsive. As it reduces stress and anxiety, one gets the time to process and think rationally before taking up decisions. They’re a bit better prepared for life’s uncertainties hence always choosing the right way to handle anything.
It's believed that it only takes 6 minutes before you feel calm and relaxed once you engross yourself in books. It allows you to create scenarios and have complete control of your thoughts, eventually reducing stress and anxiety.
Sharpen your focus- While reading, you can’t precisely multitask because a good story requires total concentration. They need attention so that the reader can retain all the information and scenarios. An exciting narrative demands the older adults to focus, use their imagination and fascinate themselves with the unfolding story. All this helps to improve memory among seniors and helps stimulate brain activity.
The mental benefits of reading enhance the quality of life. It boosts brain activity throughout the day and allows them to stay productive. Furthermore, with a sharp mind and focus, one can prevent the onset of Alzheimer’s or Dementia.
Enhance emotional intelligence- This might be hard to believe but reading for sure help in improving people’s emotional intelligence. Being social and exposing yourself to different perspectives is the best way to be more empathetic. It makes you open-minded, and you feel things differently from other person’s shoes.
Reading fictional books stimulates the part of the brain that lets you feel the emotions and feelings of the characters. Eventually, you learn to feel, understand and regulate your own emotions. Being empathetic is not a sign of weakness but of strength to feel everything so strongly and passionately.
Life has got so much to offer, and one should just know how to collect all the thoughts and embrace them. No matter what age, one should never stop learning and just be happy with yourself. Golden years should give time to the things you love and love your family and friends. Engaging yourself with healthy habits shows a whole new outlook on living life to the fullest. If you don’t feel like reading at home, go out to look for the environment that makes you fall in love with reading. Sometimes a senior citizen is bound to home because of health issues. Monitoring yourself with a wide array of healthcare products can be essential. Products like adult diapers give you the freedom to enjoy your daily life without worrying about unavoidable health diseases. Trust your instinct, and don’t let go of another day where you don’t maintain a higher and happier quality of life.