5 Benefits of Reading in the Golden Years

by | Feb 19, 2024 | Uncategorized

Reading is an excellent activity for seniors, in part because almost anyone can do it. Older adults who have limited mobility can read in almost any location, and even those with vision impairment can listen to audiobooks. As it turns out, reading during the senior years offers several benefits. Here are five reasons to get your senior loved one to a library or bookstore as soon as possible.

1. Reduces Stress

If your loved one has a difficult time managing stress, reading may be part of the solution. Studies have shown that just 10 minutes of reading a day can help seniors relax and ease the burden stress has on the body. Throw in a comfortable setting, a delicious drink, and a snack for even more stress reduction. 

For seniors with health limitations such as severe arthritis or diminished eyesight that make it difficult to read printed books, listening to audiobooks can be an ideal solution. Aging in place can present a few unique challenges for older adults. Some only require part-time assistance with exercise or meal preparation, while others are living with serious illnesses and benefit more significantly from receiving around-the-clock homecare. InCasa Home Care Services are leaders in the elderly in-home care industry for good reason. We tailor our care plans based on each senior’s individual needs, our caregivers continue to receive updated training in senior care as new developments arise, and we also offer comprehensive care for seniors with Alzheimer’s, dementia, and Parkinson’s.

2. Promotes a Positive Mental Outlook

Reading doesn’t just boost the body’s physical health. It can also help with emotional health. Seniors who read regularly are typically happier and have less anxiety than those who don’t. They’re also more satisfied with their lives and have more empathy for others, which can enhance their overall mental outlook.

3. Boosts Brain Health

Studies have shown that reading may reduce the risk of cognitive conditions such as dementia and Alzheimer’s. Think of reading as exercise for the brain. If your loved one exercises regularly, he or she can maintain a strong, healthy body. Reading regularly helps the brain remain healthy and strong. As with regular exercise, it’s never too late to get started to enjoy the health benefits. Reading can also boost memory. 

A professional caregiver with training and expertise in methods of cognitive stimulation can also help your loved one strengthen memory skills. Not every senior has the same care needs, which means they don’t all need the same type of senior Home Care. Families can rely on InCasa Home Care Edmonton Services to provide individualized care plans to meet their elderly loved ones’ unique care needs. Our caregivers help seniors focus on healthy lifestyle habits such as eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, and maintaining strong social ties, and we offer mentally stimulating activities that can boost cognitive health and delay the onset of dementia.

4. Provides a Sense of Belonging

More than any other age group, seniors tend to feel isolated from the rest of the world, but reading can provide them with a sense of belonging. First, a book is a great conversation starter. Your loved one can read and take that information and share it with family, friends, and new acquaintances. Both fiction and nonfiction can keep your loved one connected with what’s going on in the world, ranging from current events to new technology. If your loved one really wants to build social connections, he or she can join a book club, either online or in the community. 

5. Enhances Sleep

Many seniors experience sleep issues such as insomnia, and reading before bedtime can relax the mind. If your loved one likes to watch TV, spend time on the computer, or play around on a mobile device, encourage him or her to turn off the screen and pick up a book instead. Making reading a part of the bedtime ritual can greatly enhance the ability to sleep soundly through the night.

Mentally engaging activities such as reading help seniors boost their mental and emotional wellbeing. Living alone at home in the golden years can present a few unique challenges. Trust Edmonton elderly home care professionals to help your senior loved one maintain a higher quality of life while he or she manages an illness and performs the daily tasks of living. If your loved one needs professional care, InCasa Home Care Services is here to help. To hire a compassionate, dedicated caregiver, call us today.

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