Why Reading Matters More as You Age

About Laura Gooch

Laura Gooch, MFA, is a Content Specialist at Brookdale and a poet. She earned her BA in English from Pace University and an MFA in Creative Writing from Adelphi University. Laura uses her storytelling background to craft engaging blog and social media content. When she's not writing, she's reading voraciously, singing in her car, or spending time with her two wiener dogs.

two senior women sitting at a table reading

Whether you love getting lost in a good story or want to rediscover an old pastime, reading can provide more than just entertainment. It can support your mental, emotional and cognitive well-being in ways that extend far beyond the last page. Keep reading to learn why reading matters more as you age.

Reduced stress and improved mental well-being

Reading isn’t only an entertaining and welcome escape — it can also be relaxing, helping reduce stress and improve overall well-being. One survey found that people who regularly read for pleasure report fewer feelings of stress and depression compared to non-readers. Approximately 38% of readers turn to books for stress relief, and reading for just six minutes can reduce stress levels by 68%. Another survey found that 62% of its 2,000 participants said reading positively impacted their mental health and overall sense of well-being. Ultimately, cracking open a good book can be a fantastic way to wind down, let go of lingering stress and care for your mental health.

Increased self-esteem and personal growth

Seeing yourself reflected in the books you read is a wonderful feeling. It can help validate your life experiences, strengthen your sense of self-esteem and help you better understand yourself and your place in the world. Following characters as they encounter challenges, make tough decisions and grow can also encourage you to reflect on your values, recognize your strengths and make sense of experiences that resonate with your life. Reading can inspire you to accept and love who you are while allowing you to imagine how you might grow and change.

Greater empathy

While reading can help you better understand yourself, it can also deepen your understanding of those around you. By exploring how characters think and act in different situations, you can develop greater empathy for others. A study found that 64% of regular readers and 61% of infrequent readers showed strong empathy compared to just 48% of non-readers. Those who read for 30 minutes per week were 23% more likely to understand others’ feelings. Each book offers a chance to see the world through someone else’s eyes, opening your mind and heart to the experiences of others and helping you feel more connected.

Stronger social connections

Reading may seem like a solitary activity, but it can also bring people together over a shared interest. Discussing books with friends and family or joining a book club can lead to meaningful conversations, strengthen relationships and introduce you to new people. One report found that a fifth of participants said reading helped them feel less lonely. Ultimately, books can provide common ground, giving you an easy way to engage with others and feel part of a larger community.

Support for long-term cognitive health

Picking up a book regularly may help protect your cognitive health as you age. A study from Rush University found that greater lifelong engagement in mentally stimulating activities, including reading, was associated with a 38% lower risk of Alzheimer’s disease and a 36% lower risk of mild cognitive decline. A 14-year longitudinal study found that older adults who read at least once a week had about 42% to 46% lower odds of cognitive decline over the following 6 to 14 years than those who read less frequently. While no single habit can prevent cognitive decline, reading regularly may be an easy and engaging way to support your brain health.

Whether you’re a voracious reader or squeeze in a few pages whenever you can, getting lost in a book offers an opportunity to relax, learn, grow and connect. The next time you’re looking to unwind, consider cracking open a good book. From reduced stress and greater empathy to support for long-term cognitive health, your mind will thank you.

Not sure what to read next? Check out these 8 books with older adult protagonists, or discover 9 books by female authors you may have missed in 2025.

_{The above content is shared for educational and informational purposes only.}