Reading Resources

Photo by Aaron Burden

In celebration of the birthday of Dr. Seuss, today is The National Education Association’s Read Across America Day! This is a perfect day to recommit and read for yourself and for your loved ones! Reading is good for everyone! ​

If you are a grandparent, the time you spend reading might benefit you, your grandchild, and those busy parents that can conquer their to-do lists without guilt, knowing that everyone is happy and well. If you are a busy caregiver, reading can alleviate your stress and increase the well-being of your children, parents, or other loved ones.

With the prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, many older adults are concerned with retaining memory function. The great news is that many studies point to frequent intellectual activity as wonderful exercise for the brain that may help to avoid or reduce disease. One study, by Roberts S. Wilson of the Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, showed that older adults with active minds experienced a 32% reduced rate of mental decline. He stated, "that we shouldn't underestimate the effects of everyday activities, such as reading and writing, on our children, ourselves and our parents or grandparents." 
 
Focused reading strengthens the mind and increases knowledge.  This helps with the development of synapses in the brain and with forming new memories or retaining old ones. Set your own reading goals for increasing memory and exercising your mind. There are so many subjects to choose from: biographies, history, philosophy, psychology, how-to books, science, and on and on.
 
Reading can reduce stress by causing a sense of relaxation and tranquility. Your own creativity and imagination can increase and discovering different life stories and situations may help create a sense of unity and connectedness with the world. Self-help books can even help reduce depression. Reading may also enhance your relationships due to the empathy that comes from gaining insight into another person’s perspective. Also, having patience won’t be a problem when you have an inevitable wait at the doctor’s office or at other places, because you can bring a book with you wherever you go.
 
We all know how awesome the library is, but many (myself included) go less frequently than intended. With spring’s arrival, we will soon be able to check out a good book and head to the park!  For now, a visit to the bookstore or coffee shop, or just curling up at home enjoying the book of choice may sound inviting. Remember that books on paper are a much better choice before bedtime, because electronic devices can signal that it’s time to be awake rather than sending cues to your body that you are ready for a good night’s sleep!

Reading Resources for you and your loved ones:
Library of Congress (https://www.loc.gov/)
OxfordOWL (http://www.oxfordowl.co.uk/for-home/)
Storyline Online (http://www.storylineonline.net/)
Star Fall (http://starfall.com)
ABCYa.com (http://www.abcya.com/)
Storynory (http://www.storynory.com/)
Seussville (http://www.seussville.com/parents/)  This site has tips for reading with children along with printables, and even fun recipes for sharing the love of cooking as well!

References:
Duczeminski, M. (n.d.). 10 Reasons why people who read a lot are more likely to be successful. Retrieved from: http://www.lifehack.org/articles/communication/10-reasons-people-read-lot-likely-successful.html
Mueller, A. (n.d.). When you start to read more, these 10 things will happen. Retrieved from: http://www.lifehack.org/articles/productivity/when-you-start-read-more-these-10-things-will-happen.html
National Education Association - Read Across America Day (http://www.nea.org/grants/886.htm)
 Schocker, L. (2013). 6 Science-backed reasons to go read a book right now. Retrieved from: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/08/05/health-benefits-reading_n_4081258.html
 Winter-Hebert, L. (n.d.). 10 Benefits of reading: Why you should read every day. Retrieved from https://www.lifehack.org/articles/lifestyle/10-benefits-reading-why-you-should-read-everyday.html