5 ways reading benefits your brain health for over 65s

Sign up to our free Living Well email for advice on living a happier, healthier and longer life Live your life healthier and happier with our free weekly Living Well newsletter Live your life healthier and happier with our free weekly Living Well newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. “We are all obsessed with our phones, so having the opportunity to just create a bit of a wind-down routine and also activate your brain in such a way that is more relaxing, just helps you with things like stress.” Social connection Research from Age UK, shows that 270,000 people aged 65 and over in England go a week without speaking to a friend or family member, and 1 in 14 older people in the UK are often lonely. “Most importantly however, it puts you within a social context which is super important for a healthy brain and better cognition.” Improved sleep According to Javadi, sleep disorders are common in Alzheimer’s, with some studies showing that sleep disorders can often come before Alzheimier’s. “Reading is a great way to regulate your sleep time as compared to watching TV or being on your phone.” Emotional intelligence Emotional intelligence is being massively affected by reading, says Javadi. “In comparison to watching TV, when you are basically going with the flow, you rarely pause to stop and reflect and think about what’s happening, compared to when you are reading,” Javadi says.