It’s almost March, which means it’s almost Reading Month! Every year, March is celebrated as Reading Month around the country with webinars, in-person events, and more designed to encourage and inspire readers of all ages.
Did you know that in addition to reading being a fun activity, it also has important health benefits, especially for seniors? Explore the ways in which reading can benefit you:
- Cognitive Benefits of Reading: Reading has many benefits for your brain, including improving your ability to focus and retain information. According to a study performed by the Beckman Institute at the University of Illinois-Champaign, the hobby can also help reduce your risk of memory loss by strengthening your episodic and working memory.
- Emotional Benefits: Reading can put a smile on your face and boost your mood! Its relaxing nature reduces stress and anxiety by allowing your body to slow down, relax, and enjoy the present moment. Reading can also help you get better sleep, especially if you dedicate devoted time to reading before bed each night.
- Social Benefits: Not only does reading provide cognitive and emotional benefits, but it also has social benefits. The joy of reading allows you to bond with people of all ages, bridging generational gaps over your shared love for a series or a character. It lets you fosters connections within your retirement community as well as you make new friends based on your interests.
How to Make Reading a Daily Habit
To make reading a daily habit, begin incorporating it into your routine! Pick a time throughout the day that works best for you to sit down and get some much-needed reading time in, whether that’s first thing in the morning, during the afternoon, or before you go to bed at night.
You can also make it a point to visit the library every time you finish a book so that you can replace it with a new one. If you want to enjoy the social benefits of reading, consider starting or joining a book club to discuss what you’re reading with friendly faces.
Additionally, if the traditional paperback or hardcover book isn’t your cup of tea, try out different reading formats. Invest in an eReader where you can make font sizes larger or smaller depending on your preference, or explore listening to audiobooks as you engage in other activities.
Reading is a great way to spend your time and connect with others. At Southgate at Shrewsbury, we encourage our residents to explore reading in our library with a fireplace or join a book club with other members of our community. We hope you will take advantage of our many amenities to pursue all of your favorite hobbies during retirement. Happy reading!