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A Simple Daily Habit Could Lower Your Risk of Death, Study Finds
AOL.com • • health
Key Points:
- A 2016 Yale University study found that adults over 50 who regularly read books had a 20% lower risk of death over 12 years compared to non-book readers, suggesting a potential link between reading and longevity.
- The study showed that reading books had a stronger association with survival than reading newspapers or magazines, indicating that the type of reading material may influence health outcomes.
- Cognitive engagement required by reading books, such as sustained attention and comprehension, may help explain the connection between reading and longer life, though the observational nature of the study means causation cannot be confirmed.
- Participants who read at least 3.5 hours per week (about 30 minutes daily) demonstrated a survival advantage, highlighting a practical and manageable amount of reading for potential health benefits.
- While reading can support mental engagement and healthy aging, it should complement—not replace—other health-promoting behaviors like exercise, sleep, and preventive care.
