3 Benefits of Reading for Assisted Living Residents

Keeping seniors healthy is a primary goal in Chandler assisted living communities. Aside from having health professionals available round-the-clock and a thriving community of seniors to turn to, there are also some things that seniors can do on their own to better their health, like reading. 

Here are a few of the many benefits of reading for Chandler assisted living residents:

1. Can Improve Memory

As we age, we become more susceptible to ailments like dementia and Alzheimer’s. Holding onto their memories is a huge goal for seniors, and reading is one of the exercises that can help them fight back against memory loss.

When you’re reading, you are exercising your brain. Reading requires focus on the words, being able to follow the storyline from page to page, and concentration to ignore other things that may be going on in the room. Your brain may be less susceptible to the effects of dementia when it’s being exercised in this way on a daily basis.

2. It May Reduce Stress & Anxiety

There are a lot of things to stress about as you age. Seniors often have to deal with the stress of health issues, losing loved ones, and navigating a time in their lives that requires them to ask for more help. This stress can end up leading to more serious health problems when not addressed and corrected.

Taking a breather can be easier said than done, but one of the benefits of reading is that it requires seniors to sit down and concentrate on one thing. It’s easy to leave your worries behind when you’re engrossed in a good book or article. While only temporary, the act of reading can help to reset your system, and you may find that when you put the book down, you feel a little better than you did before.

3. May Improve Sleep

Sleep is one of the most important ways we can take care of our bodies. A good night’s sleep is necessary for everyone, especially seniors who are battling health issues. During this time of rest, the body is able to recharge and ready itself for the new day ahead. While a solid 8 hours a night is ideal for most people, seniors often find themselves unable to attain a full night of restful sleep. Reading may be able to help them with that.

Reading every night can create a routine, and routines are a proven way to prepare your body for sleep each night. Once your body starts to notice that reading is an event that happens right before bed, the act of reading at night will signal to your body that rest is right around the corner. Though any kind of reading will be helpful, you may find better results from reading a physical book as opposed to an e-reader. The lights they emit can actually hinder your ability to fall asleep rather than help it.

Reading is a great way to keep your mind active, focus on something other than stress and get a better night’s sleep. Pick a subject or a genre, and there will be a book for you!