A raft of reading benefits for retirees
Reading is one of the most engaging activities for people of all ages. While some people look at the pages of a book as a gateway to a completely different world, others turn to books for inspiration and guidance. There are many benefits to reading – ranging from better concentration to improved sleep patterns. Other benefits include improved decision-making – which is an important benefit as it has been suggested that ageing has a negative impact on the decision-making abilities of retirees. Reading challenges the brain, which can in turn improve analytical reasoning as well as the decision-making abilities among those of retirement age. Stress and anxiety are some of the most common issues among older adults and reading books can be a simple way for retirees to deal with stress. Moreover, curling up with a book can lower the heart rate and allow the muscles to relax, which can in turn help reduce stress levels and help to overcome depression and loneliness. Feelings of anxiety and stress can be common among retirees and, since many older adults live away from their family, it’s not uncommon to feel lonely. Therefore, one of the most important benefits of reading is that it allows the reader to unwind and relax. Avid readers like to share their views with other like-minded readers and, since they love to share and express their thoughts with others, they are more likely to join a book club. Many residents at LifeCare Residences communities enjoy being part of a book club as it is one of the many opportunities on offer to meet like-minded people and talk to them about a wide range of topics. For those retirees who suffer from insomnia, a simple activity like reading a book at night can make falling asleep a much easier task as it’s believed that reading causes the brain to send signals to the body that it’s time to relax and unwind. Reading is also one of the easiest ways to prevent memory loss, as reading a book requires good focus and concentration, thereby helping to improve memory.