Retirement is a time many of us look forward to. We have more time to indulge in the things we’ve always wanted to do without worrying about returning to work. But as well as all the exciting things you might have on your bucket list, it’s also important to make the most of your downtime. Now you’re retired, it’s the perfect time to read more.
But why dedicate your newfound free time to picking up a book? Here are five reasons why reading is one of the best things you can do in later life.
5. Keeps Your Mind Sharp
In later life, one of the most important things you can do is keep your mind sharp. Conditions such as dementia and Alzheimer’s are more common amongst over-60s. Fortunately, reading more can help to reduce the likelihood of developing dementia.
Regular reading keeps your mind active, as it works your imagination and language skills. Depending on what you read, it can also help to support your problem-solving skills. Perhaps the most important way that reading sharpens your mind, however, is how it supports your memory.
Reading helps the brain form new connections, and it can also help reduce beta-amyloid, which is involved in the development of Alzheimer’s. Therefore, one of the best reasons to read more in later life is to prevent cognitive decline and keep the mind sharp.
4. Learn New Things
It’s never too late to expand your knowledge. In fact, later life could be the perfect time to really delve into those subjects you’ve always been curious about. There are so many avenues of interest you can follow, and so many ways to learn. We all know the internet is full of knowledge.
Unfortunately, there is also a lot of misinformation. Picking up a book, however, means you are likely to be reading peer-reviewed information that can be trusted. Moreover, customer reviews will further highlight the reliability of what you’re reading.
What’s more, expanding your knowledge can support you socially, helping to prevent loneliness. From spending time at the library picking out books related to your interests, to attending the local pub quiz, expanding your knowledge could help you form new friendships. It’s also a great way to impress the grandkids, who might have never known that there were still mammoths in North America when the Great Pyramid of Giza was built.
3. Stress Reduction
Even without the daily struggles of work, modern life can still cause its fair share of stress. This is where it can help to read more in retirement. A 2009 study found that as little as six minutes of reading can reduce stress levels by up to 68 percent.
Avoiding stress is important for maintaining good health. It can make you more irritable, and you may find your eating and sleeping habits are affected. Stress can also trigger anxiety and depression.
Reading is an effective way of escaping these stresses. It provides time for introspection and quiet, away from other worries. It can also be a meditative experience, as you focus on the repetition of turning pages. The more interesting you find the book, the more likely it is to reduce your stress levels.
2. Improve Your Writing Skills
The act of reading a good book helps to nurture your own language skills. As well as expanding your vocabulary, you’ll also develop a better understanding of how grammar works. This has the added effect of making you a better writer, too.
This could be a route towards a new hobby, or it could just improve your everyday writing in notes. Another way improving your writing skills can help is in keeping in touch with loved ones. For example, you could take up writing letters to a friend, or perhaps just improve your communication online.
And, of course, there’s the option of writing your own stories or memoirs. One of the most common pieces of advice given by writers is to read more. Reading inspires, educates, and motivates, so if there’s something you want to write, get reading.
1. It’s Fun
At the end of day, the number one reason to read more in retirement is that it’s fun. Picking up a good book ignites your imagination and introduces you to new experiences and ways of viewing the world. The other benefits of reading we have explored will all come naturally as you read – it’s not something you need to apply particular effort to.
If you find reading boring, then our argument would be that you haven’t found the right book yet. It’s easy to feel like you’re supposed to read certain genres or authors. For example, in later life you might think you’re expected to read non-fiction or crime novels, but what if these don’t appeal? There’s no age limit on reading; you can read whatever grabs your attention.
Want to pick up a romance novel? Don’t let expectations stop you. Bored of classics like Jane Eyre? Try an imaginative fantasy story instead. If you need a scare, horror novels are a favourite amongst readers of all ages. It’s all about finding what you want to read and enjoying it without worrying about other people’s opinions.
To support your reading journey, why not consider using reading trackers like Goodreads or StoryGraph.
Supporting Your Independence at Home
Now you’re retired, you want to maintain your independence for as long as possible. As well as living a healthy and active lifestyle – where possible – you can receive extra reassurance from a personal alarm.
LifeConnect24’s personal alarm plans provide extra peace of mind throughout the home and garden, with help available at the press of a button. In an emergency, you simply press the button on your pendant alarm, which sends an alert to our 24/7 Response Team.
For extra peace of mind, we also provide a fall detector pendant, which sends an automatic alert if it senses a sudden fall. The fall detector is compatible with our futureproof alarm option: the SmartLife Alarm, which keeps you connected without requiring a phoneline.
To find out more, or order your LifeConnect24 alarm plan today, get in touch with our helpful team by calling on 0800 030 8999.
Editor’s Note: This article was updated on 24th January 2024.
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