National Book Lovers Day

Happy National Book Lovers Day! For all those who love to read, National Book Lovers Day encourages you to find a comfortable space and dive into your favorite book!

Reading books is a great thing to do, especially for seniors! There are so many benefits, especially cognitive benefits!

Reading is a great mental workout! You learn new things when you read, and it helps keep the mind sharp! In fact, studies show that reading can delay the onset of dementia or Alzheimer’s.

Reading helps maintain concentration. This is especially so for reading books, which are longer than newspaper or magazine articles. When you read a book, you have to focus, and it helps strengthen the attention and focus part of your brain!

All seniors and older adults can benefit from books, and there are options for everyone. For instance, if someone has vision problems, then they can use large print books or audiobooks! If a book is heavy, then a digital book like an ‘Amazon Kindle’ is a great option – and the devices are designed so that light is not shining in your eyes!

If someone has cognitive difficulties, then having someone read to them can be a fun and social way of enjoying a book! For older adults with more advanced cognitive challenges, having someone read simple picture books is also enjoyable and still provides brain stimulation.

Reading can help reduce stress. In fact, when a senior reads a book that they read when they were younger, it can help transport them back to those times and remind them of good memories. Also, reading can be a great escape, especially when one may be physically limited.

In addition, visiting libraries is a lovely social opportunity for seniors. Many public libraries hold regular events, such as book clubs and knitting circles, which is a great way to make friends and connect with others!

No matter which genre you prefer, you cannot go wrong with reading a book! Find your favorite spot and start reading to celebrate National Book Lovers Day!