Benefits of Reading
Ever wonder about the benefits of reading or being read to?
A Mayo Clinic Study found that reading books, among other activities, led to a 30 to 50 percent decrease in the risk of developing mild cognitive impairment. Additionally, individuals who participated in social activities and read magazines during middle age were about 40 percent less likely to develop mild cognitive impairment than those who did not participate in those activities.
And did you know that reading to an elderly person has many more benefits? It can
- Reduce Stress & Anxiety
- Improve Sleep
- Enhance Memory
and more! Reading a short story to your loved one can stimulate new conversations between you and provide moments of enjoyment to carry with you. Here is a list of a few classics you might consider:
- "The Gift of the Magi" is a short story by O. Henry that tells the story of a young husband and wife and how they deal with the challenge of buying secret Christmas gifts for each other with very little money.
- "Old Love” is a short story by Isaac Bashevis Singer that explores the varieties of wisdom gained with age and especially those that teach us how to love.
- “The Bear Came Over the Mountain” is a short story by Alice Munro about an older married woman, who moves into a memory care facility. The story explores whether or not individuality can be retained as one forgets their own history.
September marks the beginning of Autumn and with that we see the sun beginning to set earlier, and our day and evening temperatures turning crisp. What a perfect time to curl up with a warm drink and something good to read. Ready to try?
https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/exercise-your-brain-to-prevent-memory-loss/