While our devices- phones, iPads, and computers often dominate our time, it’s important to remember the value of good book reading habits. This time-honored activity offers numerous benefits for older adults, from mental stimulation and stress reduction to improved memory and empathy. If you belong to a book club, you gain the added value of social engagement and reduced loneliness. Even audiobooks have a significant positive impact on the mental health and concentration of older adults.
How can you incorporate more reading into your life, and how do you choose what to read? The number of books published yearly is from 500,000 to one million; if you include self-published authors, the number is closer to 4 million. It can seem like a daunting task to find the best books in your chosen genre. We have some suggestions on how to get started.
How to Choose the Best Books to Read
Deciding on which sites to use for review books is a personal preference, but here are some of the best:
- Amazon. Amazon dominates the book market for traditional and self-publishing. Reviews are from professionals and other readers.
- Barnes and Noble. Barnes and Noble has professional book reviews and descriptions of many of its books.
- GoodReads Reviews External. GoodReads has millions of book reviews from its community, which includes librarians, journalists, and other readers.
- Kirkus Reviews External. Kirkus reviews new and upcoming fiction and non-fiction books.
- New York Times Book Review (free selections) External. Reviews are grouped in various ways, including by genre, or may be searched by author or title.
Categories to Consider and Recommendations
You may be a predominantly fiction reader, but it is good to add some variety, and you may be surprised! Here are a few categories and some suggestions for reading.
Travel
50 States, 5,000 Ideas: Where to Go, When to Go, What to See, What to Do.
This book is an Amazon bestseller by experts at National Geographic. It covers 50 states and a section on Canada.
Easy-Walking Europe: Tips and Suggested Tours for the (Somewhat) Mobility Impaired: 2020, Compact Edition (Easy-Walking Travel). This book is for older adults who may be physically slowed down but still want to enjoy the sights of major European destinations.
The Solo Travel Guide for Seniors: Travel the World Solo in Your 50’s, 60’s, and Beyond Kindle Edition. “In her candid but endearing fashion, Irma parts with not only practical tips to help out new travelers but insights into the solo travel subculture and psychology, encouraging anyone from first-time travelers to seasoned globe-trotters to leave behind their worries and travel the world. What if you can’t travel? Consider books that take you places to satisfy your wanderlust without leaving. Tilted Map has some excellent suggestions.
Biographies
Biographies are personal preference, but Forbes has a variety of suggestions that should cover anything you are interested in. Recommendations include Pete Rose, Elizabeth Blackwell, the first female physician, Abraham Lincoln, Frida Kahlo, Henrietta Lacks, Steve Jobs, Cleopatra, Andy Warhol, and more.
Wellness
The broad topic of wellness can be challenging due to misleading information. As you search wellness topics, it is best to stick to reliable sites such as the Centers for Disease Control, the Mayo Clinic, the Cleveland Clinic, Medscape, and Healthline. To get a range of books on wellness topics, Blinkist has a list of 44 books, along with an audio introduction and a summary for each one. It also includes ratings for all recommended books.
Affordable and Accessible Options for Reading
Not everyone can or wants to spend money on new books. Fortunately, there are options for reading that won’t break the bank:
Your Local Library
Most libraries offer a “hold” option for desired books, and many titles have large print available. Your library may also offer a mail option where you can get your book delivered.
Libby
Libby is a free app that allows you to access eBooks, digital audiobooks, and magazines from your public library.
Kindle
Amazon Kindle is a series of e-readers designed and marketed by Amazon. Kindle enables users to browse, buy, download, and read eBooks, newspapers, magazines, and other digital media via wireless networking to the Kindle Store. Some content is free, and others you need to purchase. You can store thousands of books and take a Kindle traveling to access your library easily.
Thriftbooks
Thriftbooks is a new and used book-purchasing site, but you can find great deals if an Amazon book is too expensive.
How to Increase Your Reading
If you want to read more, consider starting a book club at your senior living community or joining one that already exists. It is also possible to start a Zoom book club with friends and family who don’t live nearby. Book clubs are excellent ways to engage with others and keep in touch. Even if a book club isn’t your cup of tea, start or increase your reading to keep your mind active, learn new things, and explore the world around you.