Reading books for pleasure may offer benefits that go well beyond relaxation. A new editorial published in the journal Psychological Medicine brings together findings from several studies linking regular reading with better mental well-being, a stronger sense of connection with others and slower cognitive decline in older age.
Researchers from the University of Cambridge and The Queen’s Reading Room did not conduct a new study. Instead, they reviewed findings from surveys, brain imaging research and long-term studies that followed participants over several years.
Books as a source of relaxation and emotional support
One survey involving more than 4,000 adults looked at how people use reading to relax.
Around 38 percent of respondents named reading as their favorite way to unwind, while about 35 percent said they turn to books for comfort.
That was higher than the share of respondents who chose a glass of wine, 31 percent, or a warm bath, 10 percent, as a preferred form of relaxation.
The findings also suggest a possible link between reading and understanding other people. Nearly two-thirds of readers said books help them better understand the feelings of others, compared with fewer than half of non-readers.
Around half of readers also said books help them become more open to ideas and beliefs that differ from their own.
Book clubs and a stronger sense of connection
In another survey, carried out among members of book clubs, almost three-quarters of respondents said reading had improved their overall well-being.
More than 40 percent also said reading helped them feel more connected to other people.
These findings suggest that the benefits of books may come not only from reading itself, but also from discussing what has been read, sharing experiences and feeling part of a community.
Reading and brain health in older age
Several long-term studies have also examined the relationship between reading and brain health in older adults.
One study followed 801 people aged 65 and older for four and a half years. Activities such as reading newspapers, magazines and books were associated with a 33 percent lower risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
Another study followed 469 people aged 75 and older for about five years. People who read had a 35 percent lower risk of dementia.
It is important to note that these findings show an association and do not prove that reading itself directly prevents Alzheimer’s disease or dementia.
Regular reading linked to slower cognitive decline
Another long-term study followed nearly 2,000 adults aged 64 and older over a period of 14 years.
It found that people who read frequently experienced slower cognitive decline, regardless of their level of education.
The authors of the editorial therefore highlight reading for pleasure as an accessible and simple activity that may offer value throughout life, from everyday relaxation to maintaining cognitive function in older age.
Source: Hina/Dpa
I have found that intense focus on a complex subject can sometimes cause anxiety instead of calm.