Can Reading Help You Live Longer?

Books are a tonic

Jul 24, 2023

We know that books make us smarter, increase our vocabulary and improve our general knowledge and communication skills, but did you know that reading books can improve our health and longevity?

A long-term study published by Oxford University found that booklovers lived around two years longer than those who either didn’t read or read only magazines, newspapers and other media. Reading books for more than 3.5 hours a week gave book lovers a 23 per cent chance of living longer than non-readers.

So, what exactly does reading books do for our health? I’ve listed the main benefits below:

REDUCES STRESS

A study by the University of Sussex found that reading could reduce stress by nearly 70% - making it even more effective than taking a walk or listening to soothing music. Reading reduces cortisol (a stress hormone) in the bloodstream, which in turn lowers our blood pressure and heart rate.

CREATES A MEDITATIVE STATE

Because our minds are fully engaged in imagining the story we are reading, we enter into an altered state of consciousness which slows our brainwaves down and enhances our creativity. It also increases the connectivity in our brains. A healthy, regulated brain leads to a healthy, regulated body.

SLOWS MENTAL DECLINE

Researchers have found that stimulating activities like reading slow down age-related cognitive impairment and reduce the risk of dementia.

ENHANCES THE QUALITY OF SLEEP

Reading before bed (especially a print book under a light with a warm-toned globe) prepares us for a good night’s sleep. Firstly, we forget our worries of the day as we focus on another world. If we are lying in bed and reading, then the position of our body sends a message to our brain that we are preparing to drift into a sleep state. It’s a far better activity than watching television which is often dramatic, violent and loud.

Social media can be a wonderful way to connect, engage and share information. But it needs to be used wisely, intentionally and for limited amounts of time (say 20 minutes a day) and never directly before bedtime. Otherwise, research shows that its overuse is leading to cognitive decline, chronic stress, neck and shoulder issues as well as reducing our ability to concentrate and focus (this is true for adults, teenagers and children).

If you are someone who finds yourself constantly scrolling your phone during your commute, lunchtime or before bed, try to read a book during that time instead – the health benefits, both short and long-term, will amaze you.