Can reading books actually help you live longer? What the research says

Time to get bookish

Key Takeaways

• People who regularly read books may live longer than those who don’t, research suggests.
• Frequent reading may lower the risk of cognitive decline, depression, and loneliness as people age.
• Reading can reduce stress, encourage mindfulness, and provide a screen-free way to support emotional well-being.

Reading isn’t just fun—research suggests books can actually extend your life. “Reading is more than a pastime; it’s a powerful tool for cognitive health,” says Kathleen Jordan, MD, and Chief Medical Officer of Midi Health, a longevity program designed specifically for women. “Mentally stimulating activities like reading, learning new skills, or doing puzzles help keep the brain active, reduce stress, and build resilience over time.”  

What Does the Science Say?

In a widely cited 2016 study, researchers from Yale followed 3,635 adults over the age of 50 for 12 years. They found that participants who read books for 30 minutes or more daily lived an average of 23 months longer than non-readers—even after adjusting for variables like age, gender, education, and health.

Interestingly, this life-extending benefit wasn’t as strong among those who read only newspapers or magazines. Books seemed to offer something uniquely protective, Jordan says.  

“When you sit down with a book, it often requires deeper concentration, more sustained focus, and more active engagement than flipping through shorter articles,” she explains. 

While it’s not completely clear why reading might improve your lifespan, there is plenty of other research connecting reading to overall health benefits—particularly for your brain and mental health.

How Does Reading Support Brain Function?

“Activities that challenge the mind, like regular reading, are a valuable part of a brain-healthy routine,” says Dr. Jonathan Graff-Radford, a behavioral neurologist. “Large studies have found that people who read more often may have a lower risk of memory loss or cognitive decline as they age.”

This is because reading can help you develop cognitive reserve, a mental “buffer” that allows the brain to better compensate for aging or injury. Cognitive reserve helps your brain function at a higher level, even if you experience age-related changes in brain health.  

Your Brain on Books

Plenty of research suggests that reading supports long-term brain health:

• A 14-year longitudinal study of older adults found that those who read at least once weekly had a significantly lower risk of cognitive decline. This was true across 6-, 10-, and 14-year follow-ups.
• A 2021 study observed that elderly individuals who remained mentally active—through reading, writing letters, or playing games—developed Alzheimer’s disease about five years later than less cognitively active peers.  
• A 2023 review found that older people with mild cognitive impairment benefit from cognitive stimulation programs (which can include reading, among other activities).

While interesting, these studies don’t tell us whether specific types of reading are better at promoting cognitive health. 

What Are the Emotional Benefits?

Stress can wreak havoc on your mental and physical health. Yet many of us struggle to find stress-reducing practices that are affordable, accessible, and effective. Reading books can be all three. 

“There is some evidence that reading can reduce stress, and lower stress translates into less inflammation, which we know helps our health,” Jordan says.  Here’s how reading supports emotional well-being:

• Encourages mindfulness: Reading slows you down and draws you into the present moment.
• May foster empathy: Immersing yourself in a character’s life broadens emotional awareness, research suggests.
• Could facilitate connection: Reading is often a solitary activity, but it can be a point of connection through book clubs, forums, libraries, and book launch events. A 2023 study that analyzed data from 19,821 middle-aged and older adults found that reading and other mind-stimulating activities are associated with a lower risk of depression and loneliness.
• Provides a healthy escape: Fiction, in particular, offers a low-stakes way to mentally “get away” without engaging in avoidance behaviors.
• Is a screen-free activity: If you’re struggling to cut down on doomscrolling or need to avoid screens before bed, a book is the perfect replacement.
• Offers a sense of purpose and accomplishment: It can feel satisfying to finish a book or learn something new.

Tips To Make Reading a Daily Habit

In a world where our screens are always screaming for attention, it can be difficult to put down your phone and pick up a book. To make matters worse, many of us are overwhelmed by responsibilities, making it tricky to get into the habit of reading. 

However, just a few intentional minutes each day can support long-term brain and body health. Here are some ways to start:

• Set a simple goal: “A few minutes a day is enough to build the habit,” says Jordan; 10–20 minutes a day is a great starting point. Use a timer or app if needed.
• Try habit-stacking: Read while you drink your morning coffee, during your commute, or at bedtime to wind down. 
• Always keep a book with you: This can help you sneak in a few pages while you wait in lines, eat your lunch, or take a break during your workday. 
• Make it social: Join a book club (virtual or in-person) for accountability and connection. Apps like Goodreads or Storygraph can also inspire you to read more.
• Take advantage of your local library: It’s the cheapest and most convenient way to read widely. 
• Be consistent: As with all habits, consistency is key. “Small, regular doses of engagement add up over time to support brain health,” Jordan says. 
• Don’t stress about finding the “right” book: “There is no clear evidence on which types of reading best support brain health, so people should simply read what they enjoy,” Graff-Radford says. The best book is the one you’ll actually read. So if you’re struggling to get through “Middlemarch” or the latest romantasy novel TikTok is obsessing over, that’s fine! Just head to the library and pick up something you think you’ll actually like. 

Read the original article on Verywell Mind