Reading Books Extends Life

There is a direct connection between reading books and life expectancy. Research shows that regular reading reduces stress, improves memory, and helps people live longer. This information was published in National Geographic.

American psychotherapist Zoe Shou explains the connection between reading and longevity: “When you immerse yourself in a book, you often enter a meditative-like ‘trance’ that protects you from stress.”

The main evidence for this theory comes from a study by Yale School of Public Health. Over 12 years, researchers monitored more than 3,500 volunteers over the age of 50. The results showed that participants who read regularly lived, on average, 23 months longer than those who did not. Education level and cognitive abilities had no effect on this outcome.

Social connections are important for health, and literature can play a similar role by helping people develop emotions and learn to see the world through others’ eyes. Reading also reduces feelings of loneliness, which researchers consider a major risk factor for premature aging, similar to smoking or obesity.

Zoe Shou adds: “Reading simultaneously activates multiple areas of the brain — those responsible for attention, memory, and visualization — which strengthens cognitive protection over time.” Experts suggest that reading just 10–30 minutes a day is sufficient for benefits.