“Books are a uniquely portable magic.” - Stephen King
There’s so much truth to Stephen King’s quote: Books have the power to enhance and expand our world. We have all experienced the joy of reading a book that completely engrosses and captivates us, making it impossible to put down. At Wallacea Living, we believe in harnessing this magic as a cornerstone of our commitment to health and wellbeing.
Reading isn’t just a pleasurable pastime; its widely proven to have a positive impact on our health and wellbeing. Here’s how reading can benefit us, especially in our later years:
1. Reading reduces stress
A study conducted by the University of Sussex found that reading a book can reduce stress by up to 68%. Research led by Neuropsychologist Dr David Lewis showed that reading helps lower your heart rate, ease muscle tension and shift mindsets. It allows us to unplug and escape from everyday worries and stresses.
In fact, the study found that reading was more effective at reducing stress compared to other common activities like listening to music, having a cup of tea, or going for a walk.
Dr. David Lewis said, “by losing yourself in a thoroughly engrossing book, you can escape from the worries and stresses of the everyday world.”
At Wallacea Living, we encourage reading as a daily habit, knowing its powerful calming effects. Reading before bed, in particular, helps ease the transition to sleep, promoting relaxation and lowering blood pressure. A regular reading routine will encourage you to find tranquillity and improve your overall wellbeing.
2. Reading improves our memory and is good for our brains
Experts recommend reading at least half an hour to an hour every day, to support concentration and memory. Reading serves as a work-out for the brain, helping to improve cognitive function and reduce the severity of dementia symptoms. A 2019 study showed that reading enhances memory, attention and visuospatial skills while increasing brain connectivity in areas associated with language and sensory processing.
Darlene Mazeau, Wellbeing Manager at Wallacea Living, comments, “At Wallacea Living, we encourage people of all ages to embrace the daily habit of reading as a powerful way to keep their minds sharp and memories vibrant. For those over the age of 65, regular reading is more than just an enjoyable activity—it plays a crucial role in maintaining cognitive function, enhancing concentration, and even mitigating the symptoms of dementia. It's one of the many ways we can support our homeowners in living a fulfilling and engaged life.”
3. Reading expands our world
Reading also introduces us to new ideas, different perspectives, and thought-provoking concepts. It fosters empathy, allowing us to better understand and connect with others, which is crucial as we age. Through books, we learn how people react to experiences like illness, loneliness, and grief, which helps us navigate our own emotions and improve our interpersonal relationships.
Reading self-help books, biographies and other non-fiction can help us to take self-development a step further by inspiring personal growth, motivating us to make positive life changes.
It also improves our communication skills and increases our vocabulary.
Darlene notes, “Reading opens doors to new experiences, ideas, and connections, especially as we age. At Wallacea Living, we see firsthand how books can combat feelings of loneliness by sparking meaningful conversations and shared interests. Whether it's through exploring new cultures or finding inspiration in a biography, we know reading enriches our lives, fostering a sense of belonging and continued growth."
“At Wallacea Living we often see how books and stories have the power to bring people together. Our events with authors like Louise Minchin and Maggie Piggott have been popular, providing opportunities for our community to discuss inspiring stories and embrace new adventures in later years. These events and our book clubs/reading groups are wonderful ways to connect, share ideas and make friends.”
Our homeowners will also have access to a beautifully curated library, created in partnership with Ultimate Library. This thoughtfully designed space will feature a diverse selection of titles tailored to the interests of our community, offering something for everyone to enjoy.
In the meantime, why not explore our upcoming schedule of events, join our book club, or simply stop by for a coffee and a chat. You can also tour our beautifully designed Showsuite and show apartment. We look forward to welcoming you into our vibrant community and sharing the joy of reading with you.
