I have always been a prolific reader, devouring books, columnists’ writing, in-depth articles (see a previous entry), and other stuff. I got that from my father, who had an enormous library filled with the classics of fiction, history books, and numerous biographies of famous people. What my dad didn’t have, I filled in with trips to the library, keeping the sign-out desk busy.
I was a “B” student in high school and college and learned more on my own through reading than I ever did in school. I learned a lot by listening to various classroom lectures, but my real love was learning independently.
So, what does all this have to do with today’s blog entry? As we age, our bodies and minds naturally experience changes. Among these changes is the gradual decline in cognitive function, which can impact memory, reasoning, and focus. While this can be disheartening, there’s good news: reading is a powerful tool to preserve and enhance brain health. Not only does reading enrich our lives with knowledge and imagination, but it also helps keep our minds sharp, flexible and engaged.
Just as physical exercise keeps our bodies strong, mental exercises like reading strengthen the brain. Research has shown that engaging in activities that challenge the mind, such as reading, can delay the onset of cognitive decline and conditions like dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. By stimulating multiple brain areas, reading helps maintain neural connections and builds new ones.
When you read, your brain processes words, interprets meaning, and imagines scenarios—all at once. This complexity activates areas associated with memory, language, and reasoning. Unlike passive activities such as watching TV, mindlessly scrolling, or surfing the Internet and social media with a cursory glance, reading demands focus and interaction, making it an ideal workout for your mind. It requires remembering characters, plotlines, and settings, which exercises memory retention. This mental engagement strengthens both short-term and long-term memory.
Reading can also reduce stress. Life’s pressures don’t disappear with age, but reading provides a healthy escape. Immersing yourself in a good book can lower stress levels by transporting you to another world or helping you focus on something positive.
Reading can increase our empathy and social skills by inviting us into the lives and emotions of other people. I enjoy powerful books about people who have overcome incredible obstacles, such as Victor Frankl and Nelson Mandela. I figure if they can do it, so can I—and my challenges are nowhere near what theirs were. Also, maintaining meaningful relationships becomes increasingly important as we age, and the empathy gained through reading can enhance our relationships.
Reading can also give you a sense of accomplishment. Aging can sometimes bring feelings of loneliness or diminished purpose. Completing a book or learning something new through reading can provide a sense of achievement and self-worth. Set a goal of reading a certain number of books yearly, but make it reasonable and achievable.
You don’t have to tackle dense novels like James Joyce’s “Ulysses” or Stephen Hawking’s non-fiction “A Brief History of Time.” The key is to choose material that excites and interests you. Immerse yourself in captivating novels that spark imagination and creativity. And don’t worry if other people consider them trash or mass-market fiction. Explore memoirs, history, or self-improvement books to expand your knowledge. Audiobooks offer the same cognitive benefits for those who find traditional reading difficult while being easier on the eyes.
For many, reading becomes a cherished habit when woven into daily routines. Dedicate a specific time for reading. You can also join a book club and visit libraries or bookstores – surrounding yourself with books can inspire you to explore new genres and topics. If you prefer downloading books to your device, consider Project Gutenberg’s 75,000-plus free e-books.
Reading is a lifelong companion, offering comfort, knowledge, and stimulation at every stage of life. For older adults, it’s more than a pastime; it’s a tool to maintain cognitive health and emotional well-being. As the world around us changes, reading remains a constant source of inspiration and connection, proving that reading is as essential as ever.
John Berkovich Talks 