When providing senior care for a loved one, it is important to engage them in a variety of helpful activities. Reading is one such activity. Here is how exercising this simple option offers a wide range of benefits. 

How Is Reading Beneficial for Individuals in Senior Care?

Reading books helps seniors live longer. A Health and Retirement Study of 3,635 participants showed book readers survived 23 months longer than non-book readers over a 12-year period. There was a 20% reduction in mortality for book readers, compared to those who did not read books. 

One way to help elder loved ones keep their minds sharp is by encouraging them to read various materials. Reading stories and articles on different topics enhances fluid intelligence, which is the brain's ability to analyze information, make decisions, and solve problems. 

Reading provides older adults with an excellent social activity as part of their senior care. Whether they read out loud to a family member or a visiting friend reads to them, the activity provides a person-to-person connection that is vital to healthy living. 

If your loved one has difficulty falling asleep, reading a book, such as poetry or a novel, provides a relaxing way to achieve a restful slumber.  

How Can I Incorporate Reading In Their Lives? 

Engage your senior loved ones by taking them to the local library to pick out books and magazines free. If they are in an apartment complex, consider gathering a few friends to form a book club that meets regularly. Alternatively, setting up an on-line group to read and discuss books can connect individuals across long distances. You might encourage your senior to write their own stories or poems. They can read them aloud to family and friends, or you can print copies as gifts. 

When you want attentive senior care for your loved one, turn to Briggs Home Health Agency.  This agency's staff offers kind and compassionate in-home elderly care to clients living in the Norfolk, VA, area. These fully licensed, bonded, and insured home health care aides provide customized 24/7 support to seniors and their families. For more information about their services, visit them online. To speak with a friendly and knowledgeable representative about in-home senior care, call (757) 628-1011.