Live Longer by Reading Books

Here's a follow up to my post on becoming wealthy by reading.

A reader sent me this study which says reading can actually help you live longer! The highlights:

• Book reading provides a survival advantage among the elderly.
• Books are more advantageous for survival than newspapers/magazines.
• The survival advantage of reading books works through a cognitive mediator.
• Books are protective regardless of gender, wealth, education, or health.

In other words, reading books helps you live longer (by almost two years). It does so by stimulating our minds.

Interesting that other types of reading do not do this. I'm not surprised that newspapers or magazines don't add anything to your lifespan. They are both more like "reading candy" than "reading meat." I wonder if reading websites are in the same group. Maybe it depends on what you're reading in each? (i.e. People magazine versus The Wall Street Journal.)

I've gotten away from reading books (I listen to them -- does this count?) but maybe I should go back to it. I do like reading, just can't seem to find the time for it.

How about you? What do you think of the info above? Are you a book reader?

Comments

[Jon @ Be Net Worthy]

I try to read every night before bed. I wonder if reading on a Kindle counts? I'm serious. I've read studies that people reading e-books do not remember the material as well for example and show less comprehension as well. So, there is something about a physical book that appears to be different. Maybe online reading doesn't count either? :(

[Tamara]

I am a daily reader of books- I do have an e-reader because its great for travel but it does not have the same tactile feel, there is not the joy that comes from snuggling down with a BOOK.

I read a wide variety of books: fiction non-fiction- history, economics, sociology, cookbooks (seriously) so long as it captures my attention and is well written.

there may be a correlation between reading books and a longer life but no actual causation.

[Charles Dale]

You can't find time to read books? You are retired now, lol. I know, I know, you are just as busy now as when you were working.

[FMF]

@Charles -- I don't know how I had time to do all this when I was working!!!! :)

Each kid has two jobs so there's a lot of juggling there. Plus I'm buying my daughter a new car, getting her ready for college next fall, writing two blogs, working out, and on and on.

I need a vacation from retirement! ;)

[Michele Cooper]

I feel reading in general helps to increase your concentration, focus and vocabulary. Even I mainly read e-books. And as Jon said I hope online reading counts. Also reading encourages your brain connectivity. As you start learning about the character, you start to place yourselves in their shoes, which encourages brain activity.

[John Wedding]

I admit I haven't been much of a book reader but I've set as a goal to read 25 books next year (well, actually, 25 books starting this month and ending next December).