April 23rd is Book and Reading Day. Who hasn't enjoyed an exciting book? Reading is such a beneficial habit that allows people of all ages to get to know different worlds and acquire knowledge at the same time. In older adulthood, reading becomes especially an ally for entertainment and to enhance the wisdom that characterizes our elders.
In addition, it is an activity that contributes to health because it stimulates the brain, memory, attention, concentration and imagination of those who embrace the habit of reading. From reading a book that is interesting for an older adult, they are putting into action the executive functions, responsible for carrying out daily activities.
Vidal (n.d.) tells us that "a frequent reader prevents cognitive deterioration, because it requires the exercise of different areas of the brain. The mental functions used for reading require associations, the comprehension of ideas and the functioning of the memory to maintain the information" . Hence the importance of cultivating this habit with care.
Other benefits of reading in older adulthood include the following:
1. Promotes social ties:
People who are used to reading identify themselves with the stories or tales narrated and may coincide with other people who have the same taste for reading. It is an activity that can be shared with different members of the family or groups of friends. Reading clubs can even be formed to contrast opinions and learning.
2. Increases language proficiency
Older adults rediscover old vocabulary when reading. Especially from cultured or academic types of language when reading classical works that reflect part of the culture of various historical periods.
In addition, knowing new words and their meanings allows older adults to have a broader compendium of words, which facilitates verbal expression.
Bibliographic references
Vidal, T. (n.d.) Reading in old age keeps intellectual functions active. San Sebastian University
