Why reading is good for health

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We have long been told that you need to read a lot to be smart. But reading has some other health benefits.

Strengthens connections in the brain

Reading helps establish new connections between different parts brain A small study found that reading a novel increased interactions between the parts of the brain that control language processing. Reading caused long-term changes in the bilateral somatosensory cortex, the part of the brain that processes sensory information.

Prevents age-related cognitive decline

Reading as part of the cognitive process includes the ability to learn, remember, and make judgments. Attention and memory are the two aspects of cognitive functioning most susceptible to aging. Scientists believe that reading can reduce age-related cognitive decline. Reading is even associated with a lower risk of dementia.

Reduces stress

Just 30 minutes of reading a day can reduce physical and emotional signs of stress. In the study, after half an hour of reading, volunteers experienced a reduction in physical markers of stress, such as heart rate and blood pressure, compared to before reading. Unfortunately, reading the news these days can't be relaxing. Instead, it is better to choose novels, short stories, or other materials.

Longevity

Reading is not only good for brain health, but is also associated with increased life expectancy A large 12-year study found that reading books was associated with a 20 percent reduction in mortality risk. Of course, a book cannot increase life expectancy by itself, but it is associated with an overall healthy lifestyle and a lower risk of early death.

Improves memory and concentration

Although the brain is not a muscle, it still benefits from exercise. Just as lifting heavy objects makes our bodies stronger, reading can strengthen our memory and focus. When people read, they create an “imaginary map” of the written text. This card helps us process the words we read, as well as remember knowledge.