Remember When Reading Was So Exciting You Couldn’t Go to Sleep?

[Jaleh Neshat]

Why would this be any different now that you are in your 60s, 70s or 80s? Surely people have not run out of creative stories, wild plots, and fascinating characters. Rekindle the excitement that once had you spellbound.

Reading helps Seniors Relax

It is a little different than those early years. Before, the plot kept you up all night, and now it is a great way to relax off to sleep. A chapter a night, or three pages, if that’s as long as you last before sleep closes your eyes, can take you away from the cares and worries of the day into a whole new world of delights.

Reading Improves Mental Alertness

Despite this benefit, we also know it gets more challenging to read as you age. The Pew Research Center conducted a study and found that 25% of Americans over 50 said physical or health conditions made reading difficult for them. The research center studied e-book reading devices to see if people now read more books because of these technological advances. 46% of Americans over 16 have said they read an e-book in the past year, or similar long digital content such as articles, magazines and journals.

e-Books are Solving the Physical Difficulties

E-Books and audiobooks have made it easier now to read and own a library of books. The proliferation of tablet devices on which to read these e-books swept over the nation in late December, to approximately 90 million in the US. Perhaps you, your parents, or their parents acquired such a device this year.

The options to adjust the font size to very large text, and adjust the brightness and tone of the background color, are boons to those with glaucoma, cataracts and other vision problems. The lighter weight of e-readers makes them a great choice for seniors struggling with arthritic hands. Touch screen technology makes it almost effortless to turn the pages.

Though we may initially think that this new technology is for the young, it is the elderly who benefit significantly. The tablets are easy to use and the learning curve is fairly easy. Travel into the world of imagination and delight from your younger years. Re-experience the excitement that kept you gripping that flashlight into the night.

Elevate your mind, tantalize your brain, soothe your heart, and find new excitement with reading to keep you fresh and looking forward to the next chapter every day!

Inspired by an article from Homecare Assistance.

Jaleh Neshat, Home Care Assistance, Raleigh, NC, where the focus is on The Balanced Care Method™ for home healthcare or care services in North Carolina. Read more how-to information on care in the home on the website.

[Drew Becker]

I really like using my tablet to read since I can increase the size of the type. I'm not getting any younger but still really enjoy reading. I am also happy to admit I still enjoy traditional books as well. Thanks for focusing on reading, a lost art!

[Jaleh Neshat]

Dear Drew,
Thank you for paying attention to the details. There are so many small things that we could do, and make a huge difference!