A recent study by Yale University researchers, published online in Social Science & Medicine, concluded that “book readers experienced a 20 percent reduction in risk of mortality over the 12 years of follow-up compared to non-book readers.”
The study looked at 3,635 subjects, all older than 50, whom the researchers divided into three groups: those who didn’t read books, those who read up to 3.5 hours a week and those who read more than 3.5 hours a week.
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The findings were remarkable: Book readers survived almost two years longer than those who didn’t even open a book.
Although this study does not depict why or how this contributes to longevity, the findings are not surprising to researchers due to the other benefits reading can bring.
Other studies have shown that reading increases mental stimulation, which slows the progress of Alzheimer’s and Dementia, since keeping your brain active and engaged prevents it from losing power.
Reading also provides you with knowledge—everything you read is retained in your brain. The more knowledge you have, the more prepared you are to tackle any challenge you’ll ever face. Even in dire circumstances when you might be losing everything else, remember that knowledge can never be taken away from you.
Along with knowledge comes vocabulary expansion. The more you read, the more words you gain exposure to, and those words inevitably make their way into your everyday vocabulary. A good vocabulary is essential for any career, or even when communicating with people on a regular basis.
Reading can also contribute to improved focus, concentration and memory. In our high-tech society, attention is drawn from millions of different directions at once while we multi-task every day. Reading allows us to focus on one thing; the words on the page that create a story. It’s almost like training your brain to concentrate on the details and capture relevant information.
If you aren’t concerned with your cognitive abilities, reading can also help with stress reduction and mental health. A well-written novel can transport you to other realms, letting tensions drain away and allowing you to relax.
Studies have also shown that fiction novels prompt improvements in empathy and theory of mind. “Comprehension of stories shares areas of brain activation with the processing of understandings of other people.” Having an increase in empathy can help in relationships with friends and family, and even contribute to becoming a better human being.
With so many genres that exist, there’s something out there to capture the interest and imagination for every literate person. Step away from your computer for a bit, set aside the smart phone and crack open a good book. Replenish your soul with each page.
