Unlocking the Power of Reading

By FPL_AdamL

In a groundbreaking study conducted by researchers at the Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, the benefits of leisure reading on memory skills in older adults have been unveiled. Published in Frontiers in Psychology, opens a new window, the research suggests that regular, engaged reading not only offers a delightful pastime but also contributes to the preservation of crucial cognitive abilities as people age.

The study delved into the impact of leisure reading on episodic memory and working memory. These mental abilities, which are also essential for comprehending and remembering stories, tend to decline with age. However, habitual readers consistently exercise these skills, potentially mitigating the effects of aging on memory.

As we await further additional exploration into the long-term benefits of reading, the study's message is crystal clear: reading is a powerful tool to stay mentally sharp as we age.

For more details on the study: Frontiers: Effects of Sustained Literacy Engagement on Cognition and Sentence Processing Among Older Adults, opens a new window

More Suggested Reading: 

Reader, Come Home, opens a new window

The Art of Reading, opens a new window

Great Short Books, opens a new window

How to Read Nonfiction Like A Professor, opens a new window

But Have You Read the Book?, opens a new window

The Enchanted Hour, opens a new window