UNLOCK THE POWER OF BOOKS How Reading Keeps Your Mind Sharp
The written word has a way of moving us. Our imaginations can soar as we envision the descriptions in our minds. If we’re lucky, our reading can also give us something to use in our daily lives. That’s why getting lost in a book is an enjoyable hobby for anyone — especially older adults. Whether you enjoy romance, poetry, fiction, or nonfiction, here are three benefits you can experience through reading. IMPROVES BRAIN FUNCTION AND MEMORY Daily exercise is recommended to retain muscle and mobility in your body. The same applies to your brain. When reading, you’re technically exercising and flexing your mind — it helps improve basic brain functioning and memory retention. According to a study posted on Neurology, participants who engaged in mental activities (like reading) reduced their rates of memory decline by 32%. Their short-term memory also improved, making it easier to recall daily events. SHARPENS DECISION-MAKING SKILLS As you age, making decisions and solving problems can become more challenging. Fortunately, reading can improve your analytical and reasoning skills! When you read, you stimulate areas of your brain responsible for empathy and emotion, enhancing one’s ability to keep an open mind while processing information. That means making decisions, solving problems, and choosing between options can become more accessible. REDUCES STRESS AND ANXIETY When you want to relax, you may go for a walk, listen to music, sip your favorite tea or coffee, or turn on your favorite show. However, reading is an even better way to decompress. In a study at Minlab International at the University of Sussex, participants took only six minutes to decrease their heart rate and relax their muscles after they began reading. Another study from the University of Toronto found that those who read often are less likely to make impulsive decisions; they
For those of a certain age, it can be too easy to forget to prioritize the connection between us and our partners. While snuggling into pajamas and watching a familiar favorite on TV is convenient, breaking up the routine and embarking on a romantic outing is a great way to brighten the flame between you and your significant other. With these date night ideas, older adults can rekindle the warmth and love they share in fun new ways. COURT WITH A CLASS. With a little searching, you can easily find a variety of educational, culinary, and hobby classes available. From learning how to prepare and roll your own pasta to mastering painting, you have ample opportunities to enjoy learning a new skill together. If you are so inclined, you can even go to a PaintNite event, where fun- seeking couples paint along with a tutor, in-person or virtual, while enjoying the adult beverages of their choice. PITCH THE PERFECT PICNIC. On a clear and sunny day, a daytime picnic can be an ideal way to enjoy nature and leisure at the same time. Pack a flavorful dinner and head out to a park or pristine plot of nature, then sit down, reminisce, and enjoy! Alternatively, you can head out near sunset and watch as the sun drifts down and the stars light up. A stargazing picnic can make for a memorable and romantic rendezvous. RERUN THE FIRST DATE. Recapturing the magic of the past can be magical in itself. Few events are more cemented in a couple’s memories than their first romantic encounter. Why not celebrate the love you two share by reliving the experience of the first date? If the two of you met at a restaurant, book reservations for two; if you saw a movie, snuggle together on the couch and rewatch it together. The experience will bring back memories from the birth of your romance and the incredible legacy of love you have built with your partner in the years since. This can also be an excellent way to celebrate an anniversary and may prove popular enough to become a yearly tradition! AGELESS ADVENTURES Fun and Memorable Date Ideas for Older Adults
think before reacting and are more open to change. Because frequent readers can process information and prepare for uncertainties more quickly, their anxiety levels tend to be lower than those of non-readers. In honor of National Book Lovers Day this month, take some time to curl up with a good book. What are some of your favorite reads? We would love to hear from you!
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