The Benefits of Reading and Libraries for Seniors: A Guide

Covered in this guide:

• How Libraries Can Help Seniors
• The Benefits of Reading for Seniors
• How To Help Seniors Read More
• Libraries and Digital Media for Seniors
• How To Find a Library and Get a Library Card

Updated: May 23, 2023 | Reviewed by: Deidre Sommerer, LPN, MS, CMC, CDP

In addition to lowering stress levels, relieving boredom and improving your sleep cycle, reading can help maintain and improve your brain's functionality in many ways and at any age. Many seniors are already aware of the benefits of light exercise, such as improved balance and coordination. However, it's equally important to keep your mind fit and agile to prevent or delay some of the more debilitating parts of the aging process. You could even consider the local library as a fitness club for your brain, but without such a hefty membership fee.

According to surveys by the Institute of Museum and Library Services, nearly two-thirds of seniors have visited a library at least once in the last year, while around 42% of respondents visit every week. According to the National Institute on Aging, reading is one of many ways to maintain and improve cognitive health. Research even shows that cognitive training could potentially be more effective than medications and diet at delaying or reducing the risk of Alzheimer's and aging-related memory disorders.

This guide contains more details on the benefits seniors can gain from reading more often, as well as tips on helping older family members access books and overcome obstacles. You can also read about the online resources available to help find libraries just about anywhere in the United States, along with how to become a member.

How Libraries Can Help Seniors

While each library differs in programs and capabilities, many offer special events, classes and activities that may be helpful for seniors. The following infographic shows what's available to older adults at many libraries across the United States.

The Benefits of Reading for Seniors

Research on Alzheimer's and senior brain health, in general, is still very much a work in progress. Still, the studies below strongly implicate the benefits of stimulating the mind through reading, learning new skills and other intellectual pursuits.

It's also widely believed that a higher frequency of these activities throughout the entire life span can help people resist the natural decline in brain function in their later years. This is commonly referred to as the cognitive reserve hypothesis.

Sleep Quality and Duration

Research shows that reading a book in bed is not only good for people who struggle to fall asleep, but also can improve sleep quality and duration.

In 2019, a randomized trial comprised of 991 people aimed to determine what effect, if any, reading books in bed had on sleep. Half of the participants read books before sleep, while the other half did not. Published results from The Reading Trial show that more people in the reading group reported having improved sleep compared to those who didn't read.

Another study of 18,740 adults aged 40 and over found that people who read more also had a longer sleep duration. This relationship between reading quantity and length of sleep was even more apparent in the elderly. Considering the positive effect that sleep duration has on physical and mental health, as well as overall quality of life, there are many reasons for seniors to pick up a book before bedtime.

Longevity

Researchers at Yale University School of Public Health conducted a study of 3,635 adults aged 50 and over in an attempt to discover the health-related effects of reading. The type of reading material was also examined, with books differentiated from magazines and other periodicals.

The study's findings show a so-called “survival advantage” for people who read books, resulting in a 20% lower mortality risk during the 12-year period. Participants who mainly read magazines and newspapers were also found to have this advantage, although not to the extent of those who read books.

Cognition

In a study of 1,962 Taiwanese seniors over a time span of 14 years, researchers found that people who read more frequently had a lower risk of cognitive decline. This result held true regardless of the individual's prior level of education.

Alzheimer's

In a five-year study of 15,582 seniors in Hong Kong, participation in daily intellectual activities, such as reading, corresponded to a significantly reduced risk of dementia.

Stress and Anxiety Levels

Feelings of isolation and other negative thoughts are common for many seniors, particularly for those living in nursing homes or otherwise separated from their community. Ongoing research shows a connection between reading and improved well-being, including a more optimistic attitude with fewer negative thoughts.

In 2022, a small study of 64 seniors in nursing homes found that bibliotherapy — the act of reading and interpreting books and other literature — significantly improved the mental health of participants.

How To Help Seniors Read More

Knowing the benefits of reading is just the beginning of the story, of course, and this knowledge alone isn't enough to convince everyone to get back into the habit. The following tips may help family members and caregivers trying to encourage older adults to read more:

• Accessibility aids: Consider purchasing books with appropriately large text that's easier to read. Another popular accessibility aid is a book magnifier, which often has its own light to reduce eye strain further.
• Use a tablet or e-reader: With adjustable font size, lighting, contrast and other useful configurations, an e-reader may help seniors enjoy reading again. They can use an iPad or another tablet as an e-reader for digital books (e-books). Tablets are the more expensive option, as a good e-reader costs around $100, although prices can reach over $500 at the high end.
• Find appropriate books: It may help to recommend specific books instead of simply encouraging reading in general. Some booksellers and websites offer ideas for older adults, such as this Senior Citizens Books list based on contributions from Goodreads users.
• Know their likes, hobbies and history: Taking the above point a step further, it's much easier to recommend a specific book that will interest the person when you know more about them.
• Book clubs: Many senior centers, assisted living communities and other care facilities host book clubs for residents. Being part of a group often encourages people to read more and is also a good opportunity to socialize.

You can find more tips below on how to make books more accessible through alternative types of media that may help seniors.

Libraries and Digital Media for Seniors

For those who can't visit a library in person as often as they'd like or simply prefer not to do so, the internet provides access to a growing number of programs and libraries that lend digital media.

In most cases, you'll still need a library card or an organization membership, which generally involves a small fee. Seniors are often eligible for discounts on such memberships, as well as people of any age who have a low income.

Digital media isn't just more convenient — as you're often able to borrow and return items from the comfort of home — these alternatives also open up possibilities for people with poor eyesight or other difficulties with books in physical form.

Audiobooks

Sometimes referred to as books on tape, audiobooks can be a great alternative to traditional print for a variety of reasons. Depending on the individual, they may prefer or simply find it easier to listen to an audiobook rather than reading it in traditional form.

Although the act of listening isn't the same as reading, audiobooks still provide cognitive stimulation and many of the same benefits while helping to avoid some of the roadblocks preventing seniors from reading. Furthermore, as you can purchase these audiobooks online and access them via smartphone or computer, there's no need to visit a bookstore in person to browse and select a new title.

E-books

E-books are digital copies of books that you can purchase and download from online stores or borrow from libraries. As mentioned earlier, an e-reader is a device used to display ebooks, and regular tablets such as an iPad can also be used. Many e-readers for seniors are available as of 2022 that are relatively affordable and provide good accessibility options.

Digital Literacy Training for Seniors

If these forms of digital media seem a little overwhelming, or you're having trouble accessing them from your device, you may wish to seek a digital literacy training program in your area. These programs teach seniors the basics about using computers, smartphones and other relevant devices to access media and library services.

Anyone interested in such a program should first inquire at the local public library and, if unavailable, contact nearby senior centers and other agencies focusing on the aging population.

The following sections of this guide contain useful information on obtaining a library card and resources to help in your search for libraries that stock the appropriate types of media, both digital and traditional. As mentioned earlier, you may not need to visit these other locations in person to borrow e-books, audiobooks and so on, although a separate membership may be required.

How To Find a Library and Get a Library Card

As far as many people are concerned, their local library is the right one. Perhaps it has everything they need or, in many cases, there may not be another library close enough to visit regularly. But if you'd like to branch out and turn over a new page, it's fairly easy to find the location and details of many libraries with a quick search.

The Institute of Museum and Library Services maintains an online database of over 9,200 libraries across the United States. This enables anyone to search for libraries based on location, branch name, circulation and even the number of specialized programs or events available. Many libraries can lend books by mail and stock various digital media, such as audiobooks and e-books. Users can borrow and return remotely via smartphones and computers.

Aside from the traditional route of going to the library in person to sign up for a library card, many branches now offer online registration. In some cases, the library may have the option of signing up for a digital membership that allows access to e-books and audiobooks — but still requires a separate membership to borrow printed works.

Regardless of the type of membership, there is usually a small fee, although a few libraries do offer free digital library cards. For example, The New York Public Library provides a free digital card to state residents and has a registration form on its website.

The following table contains links to popular online libraries where much of the content is free. It also links to a comprehensive list of every public library in the country along with their mailing addresses and phone numbers. Most traditional libraries have an online presence indicating whether they accept online registrations, and a quick search of the library's name or location should lead to its website.

Expert Reviewer

Deidre Sommerer

Deidre has worked in the healthcare field for over 35 years and specializes in Geriatrics. Deidre is a nurse who holds a certification from the National Academy of Certified Care Managers and is a Certified Dementia Practitioner. She has worked across all healthcare settings, with a concentration on the community and helping older and disabled adults age in place. She has worked on NIH grant-funded program evaluation projects and considers herself a life-long learner. Deidre is a valued team member at The Hartford HealthCare Center for Healthy Aging in Hartford, CT.