Experts believe that reading for 30 minutes every day can help you live a longer life
Researchers have confirmed that regularly reading books can help you live longer. A 2016 study found that people who regularly read may live longer than those who don’t, which is big news for us bookworms.
“Reading is more than a pastime, it’s a powerful tool for cognitive health,” Dr Kathleen Jordan, Chief Medical Officer of Midi Health, a women-focused virtual clinic, told Very Well Mind.
“Mentally stimulating activities like reading, learning new skills, or doing puzzles help keep the brain active, reduce stress, and build resilience over time,” she continued.
The 2016 study, performed by Yale researchers, followed over 3,635 adults over the age of 50 for 12 years. The results found that participants who read every day for more than 30 minutes lived an average of 23 months longer than those who didn’t.
The doctor said that books “offer something uniquely protective” over other reading options, such as newspapers or magazines.
“When you sit down with a book, it often requires deeper concentration, more sustained focus, and more active engagement than flipping through shorter articles,” she explained.
Research also found that reading frequently may lower the risk of cognitive decline, depression, and loneliness in later years.
Dr Jonathan Graff-Radford, a behavioural neurologist, said that hobbies like reading that “challenge the mind” are a “valuable part of a brain-healthy routine.”
“Large studies have found that people who read more often may have a lower risk of memory loss or cognitive decline as they age,” he continued.
Studies have found that reading can reduce stress and encourage mindfulness. Picking up a book can be an affordable and accessible way to de-stress, especially as we grow older.
“There is some evidence that reading can reduce stress, and lower stress translates into less inflammation, which we know helps our health globally too,” Dr Kathleen Jordan confirmed.
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