What Can Reading Do For You?

Studies show that reading actually creates new neurons within the brain, improving our analytical and reasoning ability. It also helps your body relax by slowing your heart rate and relaxing your muscles. This is why reading right before bed helps you fall asleep and stay asleep. By strengthening the brain’s neural network, reading also improves both short- and long-term memory. Think of reading as a workout for your brain!

Reading regularly creates “reserves” of neurons in your brain that help delay symptoms & effects of cognitive diseases like Alzheimer’s & Dementia once we reach old age. The cherry on top is: reading books you enjoy makes you happy! Reading is proven to reduce feelings of loneliness, and make you feel overall more fulfilled & satisfied.

As we settle into 2025 and face the last couple months of winter, Senior Solutions challenges you to try reading for at least 30 minutes each day and see what changes you notice in your life by the time we get to Spring. Don’t worry if you miss a day here or there: remember you can always try again tomorrow! Did you know we have libraries available to our members at all three of our Senior Centers? Stop by one day, peruse our selection, & check one out to take home; plus, for Anderson members, be sure to look at “Norm’s Picks,” filled with our librarian’s current recommended favorites!

Concerned about keeping your brain healthy? Try settling in with a good book!