Reading Books Calms the Mind, Research Says Linked to Longer Life

YOGYAKARTA - In this fast-paced era, taking the time to read a book may feel increasingly difficult. In fact, reading books not only adds insight, but can also help calm the mind and maintain brain health. Interestingly, a study even found that the habit of reading books is related to a longer life expectancy. Even though it doesn't mean that reading directly makes someone live longer, this simple activity is considered to benefit mental health and cognitive function in the long term.

The findings come from a study published in the journal Social Science & Medicine in 2016. The study was led by Becca R. Levy, a professor at the Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, United States, along with her co-researchers, Martin D. Slade and Avni Bavishi. This study involved 3,635 adults aged 50 years and over who were observed for about 12 years.

The researchers compared the habit of reading books with the survival chances of the participants. The results showed that people who read books for more than 3.5 hours every week, or about 30 minutes per day, had a survival chance of about 20 percent higher compared to those who did not read books. This relationship remained visible even though the researchers had taken into account various other factors, such as age, gender, education, health status, economic status, and lifestyle habits.

According to Becca, as reported by Verywell Mind, Thursday, July 30, reading books seems to provide greater benefits than shorter readings, such as newspapers or magazines. The reason is that books encourage readers to concentrate longer, understand the storyline, remember information, and connect various ideas. These activities are good exercises for the brain so that they help maintain thinking skills as you get older.

In addition to training the brain, reading books also gives the opportunity for the mind to rest from daily pressures. When you are immersed in a story or discussion, your attention shifts from the various concerns you are facing. This condition can help reduce stress while making the mind feel calmer after undergoing a busy activity.

Experts also explain that reading habits help build cognitive reserve. This term refers to the brain's ability to continue to function well even though it undergoes certain aging or changes. The more often the brain is trained through challenging activities, such as reading, the better its ability to maintain cognitive function.

Not only that, reading fiction and non-fiction stories can also broaden one's perspective. When following the journey of a character in a book, readers learn to understand different emotions, perspectives, and life experiences. This is believed to increase empathy, help manage emotions, and support overall mental health.

However, it is important to understand that this study shows a relationship, not cause and effect. That is, reading books does not automatically make someone live longer. However, this habit is one of the positive activities related to brain health, mental well-being, and better quality of life.

Taking 20 to 30 minutes every day to read a book can be a simple and rewarding step. You don't have to choose a book with a heavy topic. Novels, biographies, self-development books, or other themes you like can both help make reading a fun habit as well as good for the mind.