Read Your Blues Away – Five Benefits Elders can get from Reading Books
“Books are the quietest and most constant of friends; they are the most accessible and wisest of counselors, and the most patient of teachers.” ― Charles William Eliot
Reading a good book is perhaps one of the most pleasurable things in the world. Sadly, not all of us are able to read one due to various reasons, like old age. But this does not mean the end of your hobby. You can ask someone to read a book for you. It has the same benefits as reading the book yourself.
Above and Beyond Caregiving, Inc. provides for an assortment of Home Care Services in San Antonio, TX. One of the services we provide is reading books to elders. Here are some of the benefits you can get from reading a book or having someone read the book for you:
1. It stimulates your mind
Books offer new learnings, including building a rich vocabulary. According to research, vocabulary is resistant to aging and having a rich one can significantly delay the onset of mental decline, like dementia. Books are also known to improve memory. In order to keep up with the story, elders are compelled to remember the characters, the plots, and other significant things.
2. It boosts your mood
If you are feeling blue, you can use books as your comforters. It can instantly lift the dark clouds above your head and give you a little ray of sunshine. Of course, you have to immerse yourself in a book that has a happy atmosphere.
3. It makes you more empathic
In a study conducted by Raymond Mar in 2006, he reported that individuals who often read fiction appear to be better able to understand other people, empathize with them, and view the world from their perspective. This finding was supported by Keith Oatley in his study published in 2009.
4. It offers relaxation
Are you feeling stressed out lately? Is it because of the symptoms of your chronic condition? Whatever it is, there is nothing a good book can’t fix. Reading a book distracts you from whatever it is that is causing you stress. It gives you an opportunity to relax as you engross yourself in the story you are reading.
5. It improves your sleep
Insomnia and other sleep problems are alarmingly common among the elderly group. One way to manage it is by having a bedtime ritual, like reading a book. You may think, “Why not watch a nice television show instead?” Well, there are many studies saying that too much television can be harmful. Hence, we recommend reading as a better way to instigate sleep.
Are you looking for someone to read a book for you? Give Above and Beyond Caregiving, Inc. a thought. We also provide for other Senior Care companionship services. To find out what these are, kindly go to www.abcaregiving.com/non-medical-in-home-care-companionship.
In order to get this type of service, please reach us at 210-320-3659.