Wednesday, January 23, 2019

Reading in Your Later Years


Ever since we were little kids, we have been encouraged to read on our own, as it helps us to learn how to spell, develop a rich vocabulary, enhances our imaginations, improve our writing skills,  and encourages us to do better in our school work. However, as we grow older, we make excuses not to read and become distracted by television, phones, tablets, and laptops. This isn't a good thing! While we might not be as young as we used to be, we still can receive great benefits from reading!

Reading Reduces Stress

Reading a good book can help you unwind after a stressful day.

As an adult, we have to deal with paying bills, family emergencies, relationships problems, raising kids, running countless errands, and so on & so on... With all the chaos of our day-to-day lives, our stress levels can go through the roof, which can lead to high blood pressure, insomnia, and even depression. Taking the time out to read for fifteen minutes or more per day can help you relax.

Alex from TrustedCare agrees, "reading in later years is great for the mind. From stimulating reads to page turners, reading can improve memory, reduce stress and improve focus and concentration. With local libraries and book clubs running, it can be a great avenue to increase social interaction."

Reading Improves Memory

One of the many downsides about getting older is that we will eventually forget things. It could be because of old age in general or you could have dementia or Alzheimer’s.  Reading is one of the best neurologically activities. It's a great brain challenging exercise that will help stock up your neurons, which can delay Alzheimer's from destroying them. So keep your brain active by reading an entertaining book, which will help prevent memory loss.

Reading Can Help You Sleep Better

Reading before bedtime can help your mind and body relax from a stressful day, which will result in a good night's rest. Well, that's if your reading from a printed book and not an electronic device.

Don't read a a book on your Kindle, Nook, or other electronic devices late at night!

The blue screen light (and even the "night mode") can put a strain on your melatonin production, which is the hormone that helps you fall asleep. So using any electronic device can cause many sleepless nights and even give you insomnia. It's best to cut off all electronic devices before bedtime and read a physical book instead.

Many adults choose not to read a book based on its page length. I mean who has time to read a 700+ book when you have dozens of other things that have to be accomplish. Right? Personally, I recommend reading books with short chapters that will engage your full attention, like James Patterson's crime thrillers, which are simply written with short, cliffhanger-ending chapters. Of if you're into romances, there are plenty of Christian and Harlequin books that are easy to read.

Once you do find an intriguing book, I recommend turning off all electronics, make a cup of decaffeinated tea or coffee, and read your heart out! Or until you fall asleep!