Benefits of Reading for Seniors + Winter Book List
As the weather begins to shift, and we begin to see and feel winter air all around, it is the perfect time to start a new book. Whether you have a favorite reading nook in your home, a cozy spot in one of our communal spaces, or even a cherished spot outdoors, there’s nothing quite like unfurling the world of possibilities that awaits us inside a good book.
The Benefits of Reading for Senior Adults
According to research done at the Beckman Institute, developing a routine practice of leisure reading is a great foundation for preserving and strengthening our mental capabilities. Regularly reading for pleasure can strengthen our memory skills as we age.
A study on the connection between reading and mental preservation was conducted by the Beckman Institute and the Champaign Public Library in 2022. During their research, they learned that senior adults who read for 90 minutes per day showed significant improvements to their episodic and working memory within eight weeks.
Researcher, Liz Stine-Morrow added “There's more promise in engaging fully in the stimulating things that we already do in our lives. That's probably the best pathway to maintaining our mental ability and offsetting the effects of Alzheimer's disease.”
Not only is reading a great stress reliever, an enjoyable hobby, and something that can be enjoyed alone or in a group setting – it is a step toward sharpening our mental skills and enhancing the health of our memory!
Winter Reading List
Now, it’s time to get cozy and embark on a new adventure! The winter season is the perfect time to crack open an old favorite, reminiscing on moments that brought you a sense of warmth in the past. You might also enjoy trying something new! Whether you enjoy reading alone or like to participate in a book club, we have a few recommendations for you!
A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens is the perfect, nostalgic holiday story to immerse yourself in. Follow Mr. Scrooge on his journey to relearning the importance of compassion and generosity in this timeless tale!
Migrations by Charlotte McConaghy is the story of a woman who wants to track the last flight of the Arctic terns. She finds herself on a fishing ship with Captain Ennis, as they follow the birds south.
Comfort & Joy by Kristin Hannah follows two characters during a time of big change in their lives. Set in the Pacific Northwest during the holiday season, the book explores themes of grief, heartache, friendship, and newfound joy.
The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis, is a great tale of childlike wonder, as four children, sent to the countryside during the London Blitz of World War II, hide in a wardrobe only to find themselves in the magical land of Narnia, where it is always winter, but never Christmas.
For mystery lovers, check out Agatha Christie’s anthology of winter-themed stories, Midwinter Murder: Fireside Tales from the Queen of Mystery. This chilling collection even includes a few stories that feature Christie’s beloved detectives, Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple.
Social and Emotional Benefits of Reading
Whether you pick up Comfort & Joy, or grab an old favorite to begin again, reading is a wonderful way to learn new things and explore new worlds. We’ve learned that reading regularly can strengthen our mental faculties, but the benefits don’t stop there!
Opening ourselves up to the stories of others, fiction or nonfiction, can increase our ability to feel and express empathy toward others. Participating in book clubs can significantly improve feelings of loneliness and offers us common ground to share with others. Reading is also a relaxing activity and doing so before bed can help you to fall asleep faster. Being opened up to different stories and worlds can improve our imagination and sense of creativity, our ability to concentrate and to comprehend, and can even expand our vocabulary!
Whether you are a seasoned reader, or just starting out, challenge yourself to read a little bit each day, and lean into all that you can gain from the experience.