A new study has found that reading books may help you live longer. Researchers at Yale University studied over 3,600 adults aged 50 years and older for 12 years. They found that people who read books for at least 3.5 hours per week were 23% less likely to die during the study period compared to non-readers.
The study also showed that reading newspapers and magazines did not have the same life-extending benefits as reading books. This suggests that there is something unique about reading books that is good for our health.
Reading books has been linked to a lower risk of dementia, improved brain connectivity, and decreased levels of stress. It is believed that reading books can stimulate the brain, improve empathy, and increase life satisfaction.
The researchers noted that while e-books and audiobooks are convenient, they do not offer the same health benefits as physical books. This is because physical books require more engagement and concentration, which may be key to their positive impact on longevity.
So, if you want to live longer, consider picking up a good book and spending some time reading each week. Not only is it enjoyable, but it could also help you stay healthy and live a longer life.
Vocabulary List:
- Research /ˈriː.sɜːrtʃ/ (noun): A careful study or investigation to discover new information.
- Dementia /dɪˈmen.ʃə/ (noun): A chronic disorder of the mental processes caused by brain disease or injury.
- Connectivity /ˌkɒn.nekˈtɪv.ɪ.ti/ (noun): The state of being connected or interconnected.
- Empathy /ˈɛm.pə.θi/ (noun): The ability to understand and share the feelings of another.
- Longevity /lɒnˈdʒɛv.ə.ti/ (noun): Long life or the long duration of an entity.
- Stimulate /ˈstɪm.jʊ.leɪt/ (verb): To encourage interest or activity in something.
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