Reading can add a chapter to your life!
I KNEW IT! I KNEW IT! There’s a study done by Yale University that says people who read books tend to live loger than those who don’t. Almost two years longer, in fact! The data of 3,635 people over the age of 50 had almost a 20% lower risk of death in the 12 years of follow-up data.
YES! YES! “The benefits of reading books include a longer life in which to read them,” the researchers wrote!
Growing up, I believed there were two types of families: 1) Those who needed a dictionary to get through dinner. 2) Those who didn’t.
We were No. 1. Most every night, we’d end up consulting the dictionary which we kept right by the table. “If you have a question,” my folks would say, “then find the answer.” And if we thought Dad was pulling our leg on the meaning of a word he used, we’d look it up!
I know that as a past high school English teacher and as a past bookstore owner, I may come off as prejudiced. But health experts have long indicated that reading can help keep us healthy. For example, reading can help keep our brain from declining as we age, reduce stress, inspire others to read, make us better-informed, improve our concentration, expand our vocabulary…ad infinitium…
So…Read on!
I read a stat recently that said 42% of college graduates will never read another book after college. I think it was suppposed to depress me about books or technology or something, but it didn’t really. It can actually be inspiring. If you want to be awesome, it’s not that difficult. Read a book. If you want to be more successful at work, have a more meaningful relationship with others, it’s not that complicated. Read a book.
When the world zigs, we can zag.
We can read another book!
So…do YOU agree?
8 Comments
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I am a reader . Always have been … will always be ! However, I also started to listen audio books…
What do you think …..Same benefits than reading books ?
Benedicte, I’ve often wondered about audio books, but haven’t dived into them. I guess it’s because I’m a fast reader and don’t want to slow down; because I skim some (mostly descriptive)sections; because I’m a creature of habit and it would mean creating a new one!
The study didn’t address audio books.
Thank you for instilling a love of reading in me Mom!
Of course, I agree, Pat! Growing up we always had more than one book in process….well, I still do, actually. Even re-reading a book is useful as I learn something a bit different on the repeat.
Books really are a great conversation starter, too. Reading pre-concert gets people to ask ‘what are you reading?’ and off we go!
(Thanks, mom and dad, for the reading gene!)
Of course readers live longer. It takes time to read all those books they collect. Judging by my collection, I should live to at least 200 yo. Better get started.
Since I read daily, I would say I agree that reading is imperative for learning. In fact, since I claim to be a Learner for Life, I will continue to read. The good news, from my perspective, is that we can also “read” by listening which is what I am doing also daily now while I struggle with my eyes during the cataract surgery ordeal.
Russ, I think your committment to being a “Learner for Life” means you can use any means you want…just to keep learning! Good luck on the surgery!